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* 







TALES AND PLAYS 

OF 

ROBIN HOOD 



Robin Hood and Little John (2) 










OF lOBIN POO 


BY 

ELEANOR L. SKINNER 

- w 

TEACHER OF ENGLISH 
NORTH HIGH SCHOOL, COLUMBUS, OHIO. 



AMERICAN BOOK COMPANY 

NEW YORK CINCINNATI CHICAGO 



Copyright, 1915, by 
ELEANOR L. SKINNER 


ROBIN HOOD 
E. P. I 


* 

AUG 24 1915 


© Cl. A 4 1 0 2 0 3 






PREFACE 


The main incidents and anecdotes related in this 
little volume are drawn from or suggested by old 
English ballads and traditions which sketch the 
greenwood life led by Robin Hood and his sturdy 
yeomen. For centuries the common people cherished 
the memory of this stout-hearted forester and cele- 
brated the greenwood exploits in ballads, games, and 
rude plays. Robin Hood became a popular hero 
because he championed the poor, and stood for liberty 
in a time when cruel Norman oppressors aimed to 
crush the conquered Saxons. 

There is much in the kinetic spirit of the merry 
adventures which adapts itself to the interest of 
young readers. The activities in the refreshing 
outdoor life appeal to them. They appreciate the 
heroic qualities in the greenwood leader. He is 
modest and cheerful, fearless and clever ; resource- 
ful in emergency ; kind and generous to those who 
need his help. Many of the old ballads and legends 
relate his willingness to serve others and his delight 
in a square deal. And, as Professor MacClintock 
has said, “ There is a fine opportunity to launch 
into the child’s experience, upon the wave of his 
enthusiasm for Robin Hood, other and nobler ideals 
of the leader and hero.” 

ELEANOR L. SKINNER. 





Honor to the old bow string! 

Honor to the bugle horn ! 

Honor to the woods unshorn ! 

Honor to the Lincoln green ! 

Honor to the archer keen ! 

Honor to bold Robin Hood , 

Sleeping in the underwood ! 

Honor to Maid Marian , 

And to all the Sherwood clan! 

— John Keats. 



6 



CONTENTS 

PART I 



TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


Robert of Huntington n 

How Robin became an Outlaw . . . 15 

Robin Hood and Little John .... 25 

Robin Hood and the Butcher . . . .3 7 

A Greenwood Hunter 44 

The Jolly Pinder of Wakefield ... 52 

Robin Hood and Friar Tuck .... 56 

Robin Hood and Allan-a-Dale .... 69 

Robin Hood and Maid Marian .... 75 

Robin Hood and the Widow’s Sons ... 79 

Little John and the Sheriff .... 92 


PART II 

PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 

Robin Hood and the Banbury Tinker . . in 

Robin Hood and Mother Hobbes . . . 137 

The Nottingham Shooting Match . . -154 

Robin Hood and the Unfortunate Knight . 179 

King Richard and Robin Hood .... 209 


7 



Come forth , my child , and laugh and play 
And let your cheerful voice , 

With birds and brooks and Merry May , 
Cry out , iC Rejoice! Rejoice !” 

— Old Song. 



8 



* 


9 



Under the greenwood tree , 

Who loves to lie with me , 
his merry note 
Unto the sweet bird's throat , 

Cow hither , com*? hither , cow hither: 
Here shall he see 
No enemy 

But winter and rough weather. 

Who doth ambition shun , 
loves to live in the sun , 

Seeking the food he eats , 

pleased with what he gets , 

Cow hither , com*? hither , cow hither: 
Here shall he see 
No enemy 

But winter and rough weather. 

— From Shakespeare’s Fo^ Like It. 



IO 


TALES AND PLAYS 
ROBIN HOOD 

ROBERT OF HUNTINGTON 


In Locksley town, in Nottinghamshire, 

In merry sweet Locksley town, 

There bold Robin Hood, he was born and bred, 

Bold Robin of famous renown. 

More than seven hundred years ago, in 
Locksley town, lived William Fitzooth, the earl 
of Huntington, with his gentle dame and his little 
son Robert. The lad was known through all the 
neighboring country for his grace and courtesy, 
his good humor, and ready wit. The people 
declared that my lady of Huntington had taken 
great pains with her little son’s training. 

“He can read and write well,” said one. 

“He is never lacking in courtesy,” said 
another. 

“Some day,” said a third, “I am sure he will 
be a true and gracious knight.” 



OF 


ii 




12 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


The earl himself taught little Robert, or Robin, 
as he was often called, to shoot with a bow and 
arrow. The lad loved no sport better than this 
practice in archery, and he soon learned to speed 
a small arrow with wonderful skill. 

Sometimes the earl of Huntington seemed a 
little sad and low-spirited. Then Robin would 
say: “Come, father, let us go to the greenwood. 
The birds are singing gayly in the trees and the 
sunbeams are dancing in the shadows. I have 
found a large open space in the glades where 
we can set a target threescore paces distant. 
Come!” 

The shadow on the earl’s fine face would 
quickly vanish at this bright invitation, and 
away to the greenwood he and the little lad 
would go. 

The happy years passed quickly and Robin 
reached the age of fifteen. One day he came 
home from the village in great excitement. 
“ Father,” he cried, “ they say that our neighbor, 
the Saxon lord whose land joins ours, was driven 
from his home yesterday by a Norman baron 
and his soldiers.” 

The earl’s face grew pale. He looked steadily 


ROBERT OF HUNTINGTON 


13 


at Robin for a few moments. “That is heavy 
news, my lad,” he said. 

“ Do you think we are in danger of losing our 
lands, father?” asked Robin. 

“We are Saxons, my lad, and, therefore, I 
have lived under the shadow of that fear for 
many years. There is no doubt that my rich 
lands are desired by the Norman lords who are 
my enemies. I fear the time will come when 
they will try to wrest this estate from me. 
But they shall never drive me away,” said the 
earl, with a look of determination. “I will 
defend what is mine as long as I live.” 

Not long after this conversation the earl’s 
worst fears were realized. A Norman baron 
followed by many soldiers made an attack on 
the Hall of Huntington. For hours the earl 
and his men fought bravely, but finally the 
gallant Saxon was killed, his hall was burned 
down, and the rich acres of his estate were 
claimed by a Norman enemy. Robin and his 
mother took refuge with Dame Huntington’s 
brother, Squire Gamwell, who lived not far 
away. The good squire welcomed them heart- 
ily and did his best to cheer and comfort the 


14 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


poor outcasts ; but the shock proved too much 
for gentle Dame Huntington, and, in a short 
time, she died. 

Robin had lost his parents and had been 
robbed of his estate. No wonder his young 
heart was heavy with grief for many months. 

. “I am glad Robin is beginning to practice 
with his bow and arrow again,” said Squire 
Gamwell one day to his steward. 

“Yes, the lad seems more cheerful after he 
has spent a morning in the peaceful greenwood,” 
was the answer. 

“Some say he is the most skillful archer in 
this part of the country,” said the squire. 
“There is to be an archery contest in Notting- 
ham town next week. I think I shall persuade 
Robin to go and match his skill with the many 
renowned archers who will be there. ” 

“That is a happy thought,” answered the 
steward. “The outing will be pleasant for 
the lad and he may win the prize.” 



M HOW ROBIN BECAME 
|fl AN OUTLAW ^ 



One bright morning when the sunbeams were 
shining through the leafy glades of Sherwood 
forest, and the birds were trilling merry songs 
in the branches of the great trees, three royal 
foresters dressed in suits of green were lying 
on the soft moss under the trees. Each had a 
bow and a sheaf of arrows, a short knife, and a 
horn bugle. They were laughing and talking 
gayly, and feasting on roasted venison. 

“It has been several weeks since we cap- 
tured a poacher to take before the king’s sheriff,” 
said the tallest of the three. 

“Yes,” replied one of his companions, in an 
undertone ; “the chief forester gave orders 
yesterday that we must keep a sharp lookout, 
because only a few days ago a fine deer was 
slain.” 

“I found three arrows yesterday in yonder 
glade,” said the third. 

“Aha,” laughed the first speaker, “find the 


■5 



1 6 TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 

churl who brought them into the greenwood. 
That would be worth talking about !” 

A rustling of leaves and a merrily whistled 
tune now attracted the attention of the foresters, 
who, in an instant, sprang to their feet. 

Looking in the direction of a thick coppice 
of hazelwood, they saw a tall, slender youth 
coming briskly toward them. His eager face 
and bright eyes expressed health and happiness. 
His short jerkin and hose were green, and he 
wore a kind of loose cap which could be pulled 
down like a hood. He carried a longbow of 
Spanish yew, and at his side hung a leathern 
sheath filled with cloth-yard arrows. A short 
woodknife with a hart’s-horn handle was fas- 
tened to his girdle. 

“Hold! who are you?” cried one of the 
foresters in a loud, harsh voice. “And who 
gave you leave to walk boldly through the 
king’s greenwood ?” 

The youth halted immediately and said : 

“I am Robert Fitzooth. I intend to do no 
harm in the forest.” 

“No harm, indeed!” cried one of the men, 
stepping forward. “No harm! What do you 


HOW ROBIN BECAME AN OUTLAW 


1 7 

mean ? You are well prepared for mischief 
with your knife and longbow/’ 

“I am on my way to Nottingham,” replied 
Robin, respectfully. “I hope to take part 
in the great shooting match which his honor, 
the sheriff, has planned for to-morrow. Some 
of the best bowmen from the North are to be 
there,” continued the lad. His fair, young 
face beamed with excitement at the thought. 

“And what of that ?” sneered the first for- 
ester. “Surely you do not hope to measure 
your skill with the strong men who will draw 
the bow at the sheriff’s shooting match ! A 
stripling like you!” A loud jeer of laughter 
followed this taunting speech. 

“That is exactly what I intend to do,” 
replied Robin, flushing with anger. 

“Come, take my advice and save yourself 
from disgrace. Go back to your home and wait 
until you have a man’s strength before you 
try to draw a man’s bow,” returned the for- 
ester. 

“I’ll hold you twenty marks,” said Robin, 
“that I can hit any target set twoscore rods 
distant.” 


i8 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“Hear the youth brag!” was the answer. 

“Come, choose me a target and if I fail to 
hit the mark, you may break my arrows, and 
ril give up the Nottingham shooting match.” 

“Take him at his word, comrade. Place a 
target on yonder great oak trunk and humble 
this youngster in his pride. We’ll send him 
home in haste if he fails to prove his boast.” 

One of the foresters now fixed the target in a 
place where he and his companions had often 
practiced, and the trial began. 

The first forester stepped into the open, 
strung his bow, and in a few moments took 
careful aim. Away sped an arrow to the two- 
score rods target. It lighted almost in the 
center. 

“Ha! ha!” cheered the two comrades. 
“Come, youngster, what say you to that ?” 

Robin said nothing. He raised his long- 
bow and drew the gray-goose shaft to his ear. 
The bow string rang ! An arrow lighted in the 
center of the target. He turned to the foresters 
with an expression of pride and happiness on 
his young face. 

“It was a chance shot!” declared one. 



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“The Bow String Rang!” 



20 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


'Til warrant he could not do it again,” 
sneered the other. 

The first forester said nothing but glared 
angrily at the youth. 

“HI shoot again. Let us have another 
trial. Set a target at a greater distance than 
the first. Come, choose me the target ! ” said 
Robin. 

At this moment, about threescore rods away, 
a large herd of deer came into full view. The 
leader, a splendid hart with fine antlers, stood 
still for a moment snuffing the breeze. 

“There is a target for you,” said the first 
forester, pointing at the herd. 

Robin tightened his bow string, chose an arrow 
from his sheaf, and took careful aim. Twang ! 
The noble hart leaped high in the air and then 
fell bleeding on the turf. 

“A royal hart is slain !” cried one of the men. 

“You have broken the forest law!” said 
another. “Now get you out of the green- 
wood or we’ll punish you.” 

“Nay, nay!” shouted the first forester. 
“Seize him! seize him and bind him! He 
shall suffer for killing the king’s deer!” 


HOW ROBIN BECAME AN OUTLAW 21 

With a pang of terror Robin now saw what a 
mistake he had made. Without thinking, he 
had accepted the forester’s challenge and had 
broken the forest law. Well he knew what 
cruel punishment awaited him if he were taken 
before the king’s sheriff. He strode swiftly 
away with a heavy heart. As he neared the 
large coppice of hazelwood, where the road 
turned, an arrow whizzed past his head. He 
slipped quickly into the thicket with cries of 
“Churl !” “Coward !” “Seize him !” ringing in 
his ears. 

The foresters, who were at first too much 
astonished to act quickly, now ran in the direc- 
tion of the thicket. Robert was not to be 
seen. Among the tangled underbrush he crept 
from coppice to coppice until he felt sure that 
the foresters had given up their pursuit. 



What was to be done ? He could not return 
to Gamwell Hall, for the cruel men who had 
enticed him to break the forest laws would seek 


ROBIN HOOD 2 


22 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


him there. Nor could he with safety live in 
any part of England. The king’s officers would 
hunt him down and punish him severely. 

Slowly the thought came to him that he 
must become an outlaw, a wolf’s-head. His 
life would be worth no more than a wolf’s. No 
wonder his young heart sank under the thought. 
No wonder the sweet peace of the forest failed 
to comfort him. Robert Fitzooth decided that 
there was but one thing to do. He must join 
a band of outlaws and take up his life in the 
greenwood. 

In those far-off days, when there were many 
cruel, unjust laws, a large number of men were 
obliged to hide themselves in the greenwood. 
Some had poached on the game in the royal 
forests ; others were Saxon slaves who had 
run away from severe Norman masters ; still 
others were homeless men whose lands had 
been wrested from them in order to enlarge the 
king’s hunting grounds. For such reasons, 
bands of men were forced to live in the heart 
of the peaceful woods. In Sherwood forest 
alone there were more than one hundred out- 


casts. 


HOW ROBIN BECAME AN OUTLAW 


23 


Robert Fitzooth changed his name to Robin 
Hood and joined these men. Of course in time 
he was chosen leader of the greenwood band. 
The stout yeomen depended on him for guid- 
ance and trusted him fully because he was 
always fair and kind in his dealings with them. 
Also, had he not proved himself master of the 
longbow by splitting a peeled willow wand set 
threescore rods distant ? Not one of them 
could match such skill. 

It was a happy, care-free life these men led 
in the glades. During the daytime they hunted 
the plentiful game which lurked in the under- 
brush, or sought some merry adventure which 
they told in the evening around the camp fires. 
When the weather was mild and pleasant, 
they slept on the moss and turf under the 
great trees ; when the sharp wind whistled 
through the bare branches, they found shelter 
in the natural caves of the forest. Sometimes, 
when the evenings were long, they gathered 
under the trysting tree and had contests in 
archery or with quarterstaff. 

If, by chance, when practicing with the long- 
bow, one of the men shot an arrow a little 


24 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


nearer the center of the target than Master 
Robin, all would shout gleefully. 

“Well done! well done! I’m beaten, lads! 
Your master is beaten!” the greenwood leader 
would say quickly. 

The men would laugh heartily and cry out, 
“Ho, for our brave leader, Robin Hood ! Ho, 
for our merry life in the forest.” 



- KOBIN HOOD - 
AND LITTLE JOHN 

Up sprang the lark, and up sprang the merry 
men in the greenwood. It was a bright spring 
morning. In the budding branches the linnets 
and thrushes were trilling their welcome to the 
sunrise. Everywhere the sweet scent of violets, 
wild thyme, and cowslips filled the clear air. 

The merry men stood in little groups under 
the trysting tree, planning the day’s sport. A 
score of them surrounded Master Robin and 
begged him to venture with them to the out- 
skirts of the woodland, for although they loved 
their merry, care-free life in the glades of the 
peaceful forest, they sometimes longed for a 
glimpse of the great busy world. 

A half hour’s brisk walk brought them to the 
highroad which ran by Sherwood forest. The 
soft dew lay on the fresh green of the meadows, 
and the radiant morning sun touched the dis- 
tant towers with gold. Master Robin seemed 
thoughtful, so the merry men carefully held 
their peace. Presently he said : 




25 





26 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“We have had no sport these fourteen days, 
Therefore now abroad will I go ; 

Now should I be beat and cannot retreat 
My horn I will presently blow.” 

Then he shook hands with his companions 
and bade them tarry in a near-by grove and 
keep on the alert for the sound of three bugle 
blasts. 

Robin strolled away toward the open coun- 
try. He crossed the highroad and took a path 
which led through the rolling meadow lands 
where the white mists were slowly rising. 
Again he was lost in thought. Nothing of 
interest caught his attention until the path led 
to a sweet-scented hollow through which ran 
a deep, sparkling brook swollen by the spring 
rains. A huge tree trunk lay across the stream 
and formed a bridge wide enough for one pas- 
senger at a time to walk over. 

Robin stepped from a stone to the log when 
suddenly he noticed a tall, lusty-looking stranger 
advancing from the opposite end of the bridge. 

“ Stand back until I pass over,” called Robin. 
“Don’t you see that this log isn’t wide enough 
for two of us ?” 


ROBIN HOOD AND LITTLE JOHN 


27 


“Nay, nay,” laughed the tall stranger, “the 
better man will not stand back.” 

“What do you mean?” called Robin. “PU 
show you some right good Nottingham play, 
and teach you to guard your tongue, my young 
giant.” 

Quickly Robin drew from his quiver a cloth- 
yard arrow with a goose-wing tip. 

“Come now, I declare to you if you offer 
to touch that string, Pll beat you for a churl,” 
said the stranger, calmly. 

“You speak foolishly,” quoth Robin, “for 
were I but to bend my bow I could send an 
arrow through that proud heart of yours be- 
fore you could strike me one blow.” 

“And a coward’s trick that would be,” re- 
plied the stranger. “There you stand with 
bow and arrow at your command, while I, 
as you see, have nothing but my staff. Call 
you that fair Nottingham play?” 

“The name of a coward I scorn,” said Robin, 
flushing. “Come, now, I’ll lay aside my long- 
bow and meet you on fair terms.” 

Robin stepped off the bridge and ran into a 
thicket which bordered the stream. He chose 


28 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


a strong stick of solid ground oak, about seven 
feet in length, for his quick eye had measured 
the stranger’s staff. He trimmed his cudgel 
and smoothed it carefully. When he came 
back, he saw the stranger calmly leaning on 
a huge quarterstaff. Robin loved nothing 
better than a good contest in skill or strength, 
so he said : 

“Lo! see my staff, it is lusty and tough, 

Now here on the bridge we will play; 

Whoever falls in, the other shall win 
The battle, and so we’ll away.” 

“With my whole heart,” returned the 
stranger, grasping his cudgel firmly in his hand. 

The two now began a trial of quarterstaff 
in good earnest. They whirled and turned 
their huge sticks about for a few minutes, each 
watching alertly for a chance to strike the first 
blow. Suddenly Robin gave his opponent a 
tremendous blow on the ribs which made his 
bones ring. In a twinkling the giant brought 
his great staff down on Robin’s head with 
such a thwack that our stout yeoman nearly 
reeled off the log. The strokes rained thick 
and fast, but neither man seemed to gain advan- 


ROBIN HOOD AND LITTLE JOHN 29 

tage and neither called out “enough !” The 
giant’s blows were very powerful ; Robin’s 
were swift and numerous. 

At last the stranger brought down his cudgel 
with such force on Robin’s crown that the king 
of the greenwood went heels over head into the 
water below. The giant called out, “I prithee, 
good fellow, where are you now?” 

“Good faith, I’m in the flood and floating 
along with the tide,” returned Robin, in the 
best of spirits. He could not keep from laugh- 
ing when he thought how he must have looked 
when he pitched over into the water. “I ac- 
knowledge you are a clever fellow ; you have 
won the day,” he said, looking gayly up at his 
opponent. 

“And you are a brave fighter,” returned the 
stranger, “for you know how to accept de- 
feat.” 

Robin waded to the bank, and by the aid of an 
overhanging thorn bush, pulled himself out of 
the water. As soon as he was safely landed he 
raised his horn to his lips and blew three strong 
blasts that rang down the valley and echoed 
through the leafy aisles of the great forest. 


30 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 



In a very short time a score of stout yeomen, 
dressed in Lincoln green and bearing their great 
bows, came running up to the brook’s side. 
Will Stutely was in the lead. 

“Good master,” he cried, “what has hap- 
pened ? You are wet to the skin. Have you 
been in the brook?” 

“That I have,” laughed Robin, “and there 
stands the man who tumbled me in.” 

The yeomen started forward, saying : 

“He shall be punished for his insolence. He, 
too, shall taste the brook water. Seize him!” 

They started toward the stranger, who 
raised his cudgel ready to defend himself. 
Of course, there were too many for him to fight 
single-handed, but it did please Robin to see 
the young giant’s pluck and spirit. 

“Hold, my lusty men! The stranger is a 
right brave fellow !” said Robin. “He gave me 
a good crack on the crown and tumbled me 
heels over head into the brook. But, lads, it 
was a fair fight and he won. Gladly would I 



ROBIN HOOD AND LITTLE JOHN 


31 


welcome so valiant a man to my goodly com- 
pany of bowmen.” 

Robin turned quickly toward the stranger 
and asked : “Will you become one of my merry 
men ? You shall have a suit of Lincoln green, 
and we’ll teach you to use the longbow. I 
have threescore and nine followers. Will you 
come ?” 

“Who are you?” asked the stranger, very 
much puzzled. 

“I am Robin Hood,” answered the chief of 
the yeomen, holding out his hand. 

“Robin Hood! Are you Robin Hood of 
Sherwood forest?” Then, springing forward: 

“Oh, here is my hand,” the stranger replied, 

“I’ll serve you with all my whole heart. 

My name is John Little, a man of good mettle. 

Ne’er doubt me for I’ll play my part.” 

“John Little! John Little!” laughed Will 
Stutely, whose merry eye quickly measured the 
giant’s height. “Good Master, if John Little 
joins our band, I prithee let us have a christen- 
ing feast and give the new babe a proper name. 
The cart is before the horse, master.” 


32 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“ How is that ?” inquired the stranger, sharply. 

The yeoman did not answer him. 

“A christening feast! A christening feast!” 
cried a score of Robin’s followers. 

“Go, then,” said Robin, laughing, “and see 
to it that a merry feast is prepared. We’ll 
follow a little later. In the meantime John 
Little shall have his first walk in the greenwood 
with me.” 




in 


Off ran the yeomen. Will Stutely in the lead 
was laughing and shouting with merriment. 

“What name have you chosen for him?” 
asked one of the men when he caught up with 
the fleet-footed Will. 

“Why, Little John, of course. Did you not 
notice what a tiny mite he is ? He shall be called 
Little John, and I’ll be the precious babe’s 
godfather,” laughed Will, as he noticed the 
yeoman’s puzzled expression. 

Into the deep forest they hurried, and in a 
short time they came to the trysting tree. 
As the yeomen drew near, one of the cooks 


ROBIN HOOD AND LITTLE JOHN * 


33 


who was preparing dinner called out: “Will 
Stutely, tell us what merry adventure you have 
had. There is mischief in your eye.” 

“Oh, Much,” replied Will, “we have found 
the sweetest babe in all the world. There is 
to be a christening in the greenwood to-day ! 
I hope you have prepared a good feast !” 

“The king himself could not wish for a better 
one, my lad. There is a brace of fat does on 
the spits and a big pigeon pasty is baking in 
the oven. We shall not want for food. But 
when is this christening to take place ?” 

“As soon as master arrives with the babe, 
my good man,” answered Will, as he began to 
help the others arrange the long table. 

Suddenly Much noticed Robin Hood and a 
tall stranger walking briskly toward the camp. 
He almost dropped the huge pigeon pasty which 
he was carrying to the table. 

“Will Stutely,” he whispered, “is this the 
sweet babe you are expecting?” 

“Aye, aye ! Come, let us help him to a seat,” 
cried Will. 

Several of the men rushed forward. Before 
the young giant knew what was happening they 


34 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


picked him up in their arms and carried him 
to a place next to the moss-covered seat where 
Robin always sat. 

“The feast first and then the christening / 5 
cried Will Stutely. 

“May our new friend live happily in the 
peaceful greenwood ! 55 said Robin. 

The merry, merry feast began. They talked 
and laughed, sang and cheered. Shouts of 
joy rang through the greenwood and echoed 
down the highway. “Hear Robin Hood and 
his merry men ! 55 said the villagers. 

Suddenly Will Stutely leaped up and said, 
“Master, have you a christening robe for this 
sweet babe ? 55 

“That I have , 55 quoth Robin. “Bring forth 
a fine suit of Lincoln green and a long cloak . 55 

When the stranger was dressed in his new 
clothes, Much cried out, “Is there a hand- 
somer babe to be found ? 55 

At a sign from Will Stutely seven men rushed 
forward and lifted the stranger in their arms. 
What kicking and struggling there was ! But 
the men held him tightly and carried him to an 
open space on the green. 


ROBIN HOOD AND LITTLE JOHN 


35 


“What is the noisy babe’s name and who are 
the sponsors?” called Robin, laughing merrily. 

“His sponsors are holding him, master, and 
I am his godfather,” said Will. Three men 
now slipped up behind the sponsors and poured 
buckets of water over the big baby’s head while 
Will Stutely sang out gayly : 

“This infant was called John Little 
Which name shall be changed anon, 

The word we’ll transpose ; so wherever he goes 
His name shall be called Little John, Little John. 
Now cheer, one and all, Little John ! ” 

How heartily the merry men laughed ! In 
a few moments Little John broke away from 
his captors, and shook the water out of his 
mouth and ears. As soon as he could catch his 
breath, he burst into the merriest laugh ! 

“A christening gift ! A christening gift, 
master,” called the men, as they circled around 
the new member. 

Robin stepped up to the drenched infant with 
a good stout bow and an arrow with a gray- 
goose tip. He said : 

“Thou shalt be an archer as well as the best 
And range in the greenwood with us.” 


36 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“We live here like squires or lords of renown 
Without ere a foot of free land. 

We feast on good cheer, on game and fat deer, 

And everything at our command.” 

The merriment continued for a long time. 
They sang and danced until the sky spaces 
between the glades reflected soft colors from 
the low sun, and the long shadow of the trysting 
tree told them the happy day was drawing to 
a close. 

Little John became a loyal follower and true 
friend of Robin Hood, and lived many years in 
the peaceful greenwood. “ Little John is next 
in command, lads,” Robin would say if he hap- 
pened to leave the greenwood for a day or two. 

“Robin Hood first, and next Little John,” 
the men would answer heartily. 

“And so ever after, as long as he lived, 

Altho’ he was proper and tall, 

Yet, nevertheless, the truth to express, 

Still Little John they did him call.” 



■ ROBIN HOOD AND THE BUTCHER - 
I 


Upon a time it chanced so 
Bold Robin in forest did spy 
A jolly butcher, with a bonny fine mare, 

With his flesh to the market did hie. 

“ Good morrow, good fellow,” said jolly Robin, 
“ What food hast thou ? tell unto me ; 

And thy trade to me tell, and where thou dost 
dwell, 

For I like well thy company.” 

The butcher he answered jolly Robin : 

“ No matter where I dwell ; 

For a butcher I am, and to Nottingham 
I am going, my flesh to sell.” 

“ What’s the price of thy flesh?” said jolly 
Robin, 

“ Come, tell it soon unto me ; 

And the price of thy mare, be she never so 
dear, 

For a butcher fain would I be.” 




37 





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‘“Four Marks I Will Give Thee,’ saith Jolly Robin” (38) 





ROBIN HOOD AND THE BUTCHER 


39 

“The price of my flesh,” the butcher replied, 
“ I soon will tell unto thee ; 

With my bonny mare — and they are not dear — 
Four marks thou must give unto me.” 

“ Four marks I will give thee,” saith jolly Robin, 
“ Four marks it shall be thy fee ; 

Thy money come count, and let me mount, 

For a butcher I fain would be.” 


n 

Now Robin he is to Nottingham gone, 

His butcher’s trade for to begin ; 

With good intent, to the sheriff he went, 
And there he took up his inn. 

When other butchers did open their meat, 
Bold Robin he then begun ; 

But how for to sell he knew not well, 

For a butcher he was but young. 

When other butchers no meat could sell, 
Robin got both gold and fee ; 

For he sold more meat for one penny 
Than others could do for three. 




ROBIN HOOD 3 



TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


But when he sold his meat so fast, 

No butcher by him could thrive ; 

For he sold more meat for one penny 
Than others could do for five. 

Which made the butchers of Nottingham 
To study as they did stand, 

Saying, surely he was some prodigal, 

That had sold his father’s land. 

The butchers they stepped to jolly Robin, 
Acquainted with him for to be ; 

“ Come, brother,” one said, “ we be all of 
trade. 

Come, will you go dine with me ?” 

“ Accurst of his heart,” said jolly Robin, 

“ That a butcher doth deny ; 

I will go with you, my brethren true, 

And as fast as I can hie.” 

But when to the sheriff’s house they came, 
To dinner they hied apace, 

And Robin he the man must be 
Before them all to say grace. 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE BUTCHER 


41 


“ Come fill us more wine,” said jolly Robin, 

“ Let us merry be while we do stay ; 

For wine and good cheer, be it never so dear, 

I vow I the reckoning will pay.” 

“ Come, brothers, be merry,” said jolly Robin, 
“ Let us feast, and never give o’er ; 

For the shot I will pay, ere I go my way, 

If it costs me five pounds and more.” 

“ This is a mad blade,” the butchers then said ; 

Said the sheriff, “ He is some prodigal, 

That some land has sold, for silver and gold, 
And now he doth mean to spend all.” 

“Hast thou any horned beasts,” the sheriff 
replied, 

“ Good fellow, to sell unto me ?” 

“ Yes, that I have, good Master Sheriff, 

I have hundreds two or three. 

“ And a hundred acres of good free land, 

If you please it to see ; 

And I’ll make you as good assurance of it 
As ever my father made me.” 


42 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


III 


The sheriff he saddled a good palfrey, 

With three hundred pound in gold, 

And away he went with bold Robin Hood, 

His horned beasts to behold. 

Away then the sheriff and Robin did ride, 

To the forest of merry Sherwood ; 

Then the sheriff did say, “ God bless us this day 
From a man they call Robin Hood !” 

But when a little farther they came, 

Bold Robin he chanced to spy 

A hundred head of good red deer 
Come tripping the sheriff full nigh. 

“ How like you my horned beasts, good sheriff ? 
They be fat and fair for to see. ” 

“ I tell thee, good fellow, I would I were gone, 
For I like not thy company.” 

Then Robin he set his horn to his mouth, 

And blew but blasts three ; 




ROBIN HOOD AND THE BUTCHER 


43 


And quickly anon there came Little John, 

And all his company. 

“ What is your will ?” then said Little John, 

44 Good master, come tell it to me. ” 

44 1 have brought hither the sheriff of Nottingham 
This day to dine with thee/’ 

44 He is welcome to me,” then said Little John, 

44 1 hope he will honestly pay ; 

I know he has gold, if it be but well told, 

"Twill serve us well many a day.” 

Robin took his mantle from his back, 

And laid it upon the ground, 

And out of the sheriff’s portmantle 
He told three hundred pound. 

Then Robin brought him through the wood, 
And set him on his dapple gray ; 

44 Oh, have me commended to your wife at 
home!” 

So Robin went laughing away. 



A GREENWOOD HUNTER 

In summer time when flowers do spring, 

And birds sit on each tree, 

Let lords and knights say what they will 
There’s none so merry as we. 

Oh! how we do skip it, caper and trip it, 

Under the greenwood tree. 

— Old Song {adapted). 



One bright sunny morning Robin Hood and 
Little John were strolling through the fine glades 
of the forest. They were talking about their 
merry life in the greenwood. 

“ Little John/’ said Robin, “you are now as 
clever with the longbow and arrow as with 
your oaken staff. ” 

“Ah, master,” laughed Little John, “do you 
remember how awkward I was at first ? It 
took all your patience to teach me the secret 
of skillful archery. I shall never forget how my 
heart leaped for joy the first time I lodged an 
arrow in the rose garland set fivescore paces 
distant.” 

“You can send a gray-goose shaft through 


44 


A GREENWOOD HUNTER 


45 


the center of the wreath now/’ said Robin, 
proudly. 

“Yes,” mused Little John; “many of the 
greenwood lads can do that, but you are the 
only one of the band who can split a peeled 
willow wand set fivescore yards away. You 
are the champion archer of the greenwood, 
master.” 

“It is because I have had long, long practice, 
Little John,” remarked Robin. 

The friends walked on in silence until a turn 
in the road brought into full view a large herd 
of deer grazing. 

“What a splendid sight,” said Little John. 
“’Tis the finest herd IVe seen for many a day. 
Look! Does the noble hart scent danger?” 

“He does, Little John,” answered Robin, 
dropping his voice. “Do you not see the gayly 
dressed hunter standing near yonder great oak 
tree? I declare he is stringing his bow!” 

Little John looked .in the direction pointed 
out by Robin and saw a tall, slender youth, 
dressed in scarlet, standing near a thick coppice 
about halfway between the herd and the yeo- 
men. His doublet and stockings were of scarlet 


4 6 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


silk, and a broad scarlet feather curled along one 
side of his jaunty black velvet cap. 

“A queerly dressed prig for a greenwood 
hunter,” said Little John, dryly. “He would 
make a good target for one of the royal foresters.” 

“No doubt Lincoln green is the safest 
color for Sherwood hunters to wear,” laughed 
Robin. “Surely he is master of the bow, 
Little John. See, he holds it as deftly as one 
of my yeomen. I wonder who he is ! Step 
into the coppice for a few moments and I will 
slip along quietly and question him.” 

The yeoman was so interested in his sport 
that he did not notice Robin’s light footsteps. 
He raised his bow, took careful aim at one of 
the deer, and said aloud, “Now I’ll have the 
best of you for my dinner.” Away whizzed the 
arrow ! 

“Well shot ! Well shot ! You have struck 
the leader of the herd,” said Robin, stepping 
forward. “And you knpw well how to allow 
for the light breeze ! Will you be one of my 
yeomen, good youth?” 

“Why do you speak to me, sir? Are you 
a forester?” asked the stranger, in surprise. 


A GREENWOOD HUNTER 


47 


“I am, indeed,” laughed Robin; “the chief 
forester of Sherwood.” 

“Then will I have nothing to do with you,” 
said the hunter, moving away. 

“Hold!” cried Robin. “Stand where you 
are and answer my questions. From what 
part of the country are you ? ” 

The youth turned and said sharply, “Pve a 
mind to buffet you well with my fists for an 
answer.” 

“Oh!” said Robin, smiling, “I consider buf- 
feting very poor sport.” 

“I can play at archery if you wish,” said the 
youth, angrily, for he was very much annoyed 
at Robin’s manner. 

“Why, so can I,” said Robin Hood, instantly 
drawing forth an arrow. 

There they stood for a few seconds, covering 
each other with their bows. Then Robin burst 
out laughing and said, “Hold your hand, good 
youth, for one of us may be killed if we play 
at archery. It is dangerous sport, and I mean 
to do you no harm, my boy. Come, put up 
your bow and arrow, and let us try our skill 
with bucklers and swords. It has been a long 


4 8 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


time since I have had a bit of swordplay. What 
do you say ? ” 

“As you wish,” replied the youth, who now 
began to believe that Robin was really only 
seeking a little amusement. 

“That bit of flat turf is a good place for our 
sport,” said Robin. “Come!” 

In a few moments they were ready with 
bucklers and broadswords, and from the cop- 
pice Little John watched the finest swordplay 
he had ever seen. They parried and thrust with 
well-matched skill for almost half an hour, but 
neither gained the least advantage. 

Finally Robin cried out, “Enough, my friend ; 
it has been many a day since I matched skill 
with such an expert swordsman. Gladly would 
I welcome you to join my band of merry men, 
for you are as plucky as you are skillful. May 
I ask your name, good youth?” 

“My name is Gamwell,” answered the hunter. 
“I was born and bred in Maxfield town.” 

“Gamwell !” cried Robin, looking steadily 
into the youth’s eyes. “Gamwell, from Max- 
field town, do you say ? Tell me quickly, lad, 
why did you come to the greenwood?” 


A GREENWOOD HUNTER 


49 


“To seek a cousin of mine whom men call 
Robin Hood ! Can you help me to find him, 
good forester ?” asked the stranger, eagerly. 

Then Robin clasped the youth in his arms 
and said tenderly, “You are my aunt Gamwell’s 
child ! She died when you were a lad of five 
years. I am Robin Hood, my boy!” 

“Robin Hood! My cousin, Robin Hood!” 
repeated the youth, in amazement. “Had I 
known you, I never could have held my own in 
swordplay.” 

“I am proud of your skill,” said Robin, “but, 
tell me lad, why are you seeking me in the 
greenwood ?” 

“Because the most valuable part of my 
inherited land is claimed by a Norman baron 
whose estate joins mine. You know well, 
cousin, what injustice we Saxons suffer under 
Prince John’s tyranny.” 

“That I do,” answered Robin, with a sigh. 
“In the greenwood, my lad, you will find per- 
fect peace. I am glad you have come.” 

At that moment Little John stepped out of 
the coppice and walked toward Robin and the 
stranger. 


50 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“You have tarried a long while, master,” 
he said as he drew near. “Are you ready to 
go?” 

“Come forward, Little John,” said Robin. 
“I have pleasant news for you. This youth 
is Will Gamwell, a cousin of mine, who has 
come to live with us in the greenwood.” 

“I am glad to welcome you,” said Little John, 
holding out his hand. “You can handle the 
longbow with great skill, and master will admit 
that you can play a clever sword game.” 

“He can, indeed,” said Robin, smiling. “But 
Little John, if he comes to the greenwood, he 
must have a new name. What shall it be?” 

“It is easy to guess his favorite color, master,” 
said Little John, with a twinkle in his eyes, as 
he glanced at the youth’s doublet and stock- 
ings. “Why not call him Scarlet ?” 

“Scarlet!” quoth Robin, merrily. “Will 
Scarlet ! Well chosen, Little John ! Cousin, 
from this day you shall be called Will Scarlet, 
and I name you my chief man next to Little 
John. Come, let us go to the trysting tree and 
join the other lads. You shall have a merry 
feast with us, and later you shall hear the 


A GREENWOOD HUNTER 


51 

greenwood rules which my men faithfully 
keep.” 

“Master Robin, may I give my first quarry 
to your band ?” asked the youth. 

“To be sure, lad,” said Robin. “We are in 
need of venison.” 

Now Robin Hood, Scarlet, and Little John 
Are walking over the plain 
With a good fat buck which Will Scarlet 
With his strong bow had slain. 



fSBl-THE JOLLY PINDER 
Bf)[ ■ OF WAKEFIELD - 

In Wakefield there lives a jolly pinder, 
In Wakefield all on a green, 

In Wakefield all on a green ; 

In Wakefield there lives a jolly pinder, 
His match was never seen. 



“ There is neither knight nor squire,” said the 
pinder, 

“Nor baron that is so bold, 

Nor baron that is so bold, 

Dare make a trespass in Wakefield town, 

But his pledge goes to the pinfold, 

But his pledge goes to the pinfold.” 


All this beheard three mighty yeomen, 

’Twas Robin Hood, Scarlet, and John. 

With that they espied the jolly pinder, 

As he sat under a thorn. 

“Now turn again, turn again,” said the pinder, 
“For a wrong way you have gone. 

For you have forsaken the king’s highway, 

And made a path over the corn.” 


52 



THE JOLLY PINDER OF WAKEFIELD 


53 


“Oh, that were great shame/’ said jolly Robin, 
“We being three, and thou but one.” 

The pinder leapt back then thirty good foot, 
’Twas thirty good foot and one. 

He leaned his back fast unto a thorn, 

And his foot against a stone. 

AndThere they fought a long summer’s day, 

A summer’s day so long, 

Till that their swords on their broad bucklers 
Were broken fast unto their hands. 

“ Hold thy hand, hold thy hand,” said bold 
Robin Hood, 

“ And my merry men all stand aside, 

For this is one of the best pinders, 

That ever with sword I tried. 

“And wilt thou forsake thy pinder’s craft, 

And live in the greenwood with me ? 

Thou shalt have a livery twice in the year, 

The one green, the other brown shall be.” 

“I’ll take my blue blade all in my hand 
And plod to the greenwood with thee.” 


54 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“Hast thou either meat or drink ?” said Robin 
Hood, 

“For my merry men and me ? ” 

“I have both bread and beef/’ said the pinder. 

“And good ale of the best.” 

“And that is meat good enough,” said Robin 
Hood, 

“For such unbidden guest. 

“Oh wilt thou forsake the pinder his craft, 

And go to the greenwood with me ? 

Thou shalt have a livery twice in the year, 

The one green, the other brown shall be.” 

“If Michaelmas day were come and gone, 

And my master had paid me my fee, 

Then would I set as little by him, 

As my master doth by me. 

“At Michaelmas cometh my covenant out, 

And my master gives me my fee, 

Then, Robin, Til wear thy Kendal green, 

And wend to the greenwood with thee, 

And wend to the greenwood with thee.” 


Here the Merry Men Enjoyed the Long Evenings 





ROBIN HOOD AND FRIAR TUCK 



In summer when the leaves grow green 
And flowers are fresh and gay 
Robin Hood and his merry men 
Were all disposed to play. 



In the depths of Sherwood forest was a smooth 
dell of greensward girdled by masses of tall 
ferns and underbrush, low hills, and great 
forest trees. Along that side of the dell which 
faced the dawn, the rocky slopes were hollowed 
out in deep caves, where the greenwood band 
found comfortable shelter in rough weather. 
The trysting tree, a giant oak with gnarled and 
twisted branches, stood in the center of this 
silvan dell. 

Here the merry men enjoyed the long eve- 
nings when summer twilight lingered in the 
forest glades and the gentle breezes were rich 
with the scent of sweetbrier and wild honey- 
suckle. Here groups of Robin Hood’s men 
often gathered on the greensward around the 
trysting tree and played the merriest games. 
They leaped and wrestled ; they ran races 
around the oval margin of the dell. Some 
56 


ROBIN HOOD AND FRIAR TUCK 


57 


tried their skill in using the quarterstaff or 
broadsword, but of course archery was the 
sport they loved best. 

One evening when the merry men were having 
a sharp contest in shooting with the longbow, 
Little John sent an arrow into a rose-garland 
target set at five hundred feet distance. 

“Ho! for Little John,” shouted the yeomen, 
joyfully clapping their hands. 

“Ho! for our wonderful archer!” said Robin 
Hood. 

“Master,” cried out Much, “this morning 
Little John shot a fine hart five hundred feet 
away !” 

“Aha!” laughed Robin, “I would ride a 
hundred miles to find his match in archery. 
Ho ! for Little John and the longbow !” 

Then Will Scarlet laughed full heartily and 
said, “Master, I know some one who can shoot 
an arrow farther than Little John or Robin Hood!” 

“That is merry jest,” said the greenwood 
leader, smiling. 

“It is the truth!” answered Scarlet, nodding 
his head. “And you need not ride a hundred 
miles to see this wonderful archer.” 


ROBIN HOOD 4 


58 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“Come, tell me his name and where to find 
him,” said Robin, quickly. 

“His name is Friar Tuck. For many years 
he has lived at Fountains Abbey in Fountains 
Dale,” answered Will Scarlet. 

“Before sunset to-morrow Til meet this 
master archer and try his mettle,” declared 
Robin, for the greenwood leader was always 
eager to test an expert swordsman or 
archer. 

So at dawn Robin sprang up lightly from 
the thick turf and made ready to go to Foun- 
tains Dale. 

“Surely you will let some of your yeomen 
go with you on this adventure, master,” said 
Little John. 

“My best archer shall go,” nodded Robin. 

“I know the nearest way to Fountains 
Dale,” declared Scarlet. 

“Three yeomen would be merry company 
for you, master,” added David o’ Doncaster. 

“Three yeomen shall go with me,” laughed 
Robin. “But remember, lads, when I reach 
Fountains Dale, I will meet this famous 
alone.” 


man 


ROBIN HOOD AND FRIAR TUCK 


59 


Then away ran Little John, Scarlet, and David, 
to make ready for the journey. 

Robin dressed himself with a good deal of 
caution. His jaunty soft hat with its nodding 
plume was lined with a fine steel cap, and under 
his jacket of Lincoln green he donned a coat 
of mail chain. A broadsword and buckler 
hung at his side, and at his belt was fastened a 
sheaf of feathered arrows. He carried a trusty 
longbow of Spanish yew. 

In the cool, early morning the four yeomen 
sallied forth. The dewy groves of the wood- 
land were ringing with the sweet birds’ songs. 
Once when the narrow path which they fol- 
lowed led to a sunlit space in the glades, they 
saw a herd of red deer cropping the juicy grass. 

“Ha! the leader has scented us and given 
warning,” laughed Robin, as the timid creatures 
dashed away into a thicket of beech trees. 

Soon the groves became less dense and the 
dusty highway could be seen winding along 
the border of the forest. They crossed the 
sunny road and walked miles through the 
broad meadow lands dotted with primroses and 
daisies. 


6o 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“Master/’ said Will Scarlet, pointing to a 
line of leaning willows, “yonder winding rivulet 
flows by Fountains Abbey.” 

“Then farewell, lads, for a time,” said Robin, 
striding on alone. 

Little John, Scarlet, and David o’ Doncaster 
walked across the fields, where the bees were 
feasting, and disappeared into a bit of wood- 
land. 

When Robin reached the stream, he was 
surprised to see a short, stout friar, walking 
by the waterside of the opposite bank. He 
wore a loose brown robe belted with a thick 
cord. A broadsword and buckler hung at his 
side, and on his round head was perched a 
tight cap of steel, around which a fringe of 
dark hair curled. 

“Halloa!” called Robin. 

“Good-morrow,” answered the friar, looking 
up from a book he was reading. 

“There is no footbridge, and I must see the 
friar of Fountains Abbey by high noon. Come, 
carry me over the water,” said Robin, in a 
commanding tone. 

For a moment the friar said nothing. Then 


ROBIN HOOD AND FRIAR TUCK 


61 


a broad smile played over his face, which was 
as round and red as an apple. 

“Come, bear me over for the sake of charity,” 
called Robin. 

“Very well, fine sir,” nodded the friar. 
“Gladly will I be thy footbridge if thou wilt 
grant me a small favor in return for my service.” 

“Name the favor,” replied Robin. 

But instead of answering, the broad-shouldered 
friar tucked up his robe and waddled across the 
ford. 

Robin’s eyes twinkled with merriment when 
he saw the queer, stout figure splashing through 
the water, which was quite deep in the middle 
of the stream. 

“Thou art well armed, sir,” said the friar, 
eying Robin slyly. Then, 

The friar took Robin Hood on his back 
Deep water he did bestride 
And spoke neither good word nor bad 
Till he came to the other side. 

“I thank you,” said Robin, merrily, as he 
leaped lightly off the burly shoulders. 

“One good turn deserves another,” answered 
the friar. 


62 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“True,” nodded Robin. “How can I serve 
you ?” 

“Carry me to the other side of the water,” 
said the friar. 

“ But, my good man,” began Robin. 

“Ha, ha!” laughed the friar, shaking his 
finger in Robin’s face. “Thou hast not pluck 
enough to pay for the good turn I did thee. 
Ha! ha ! ha!” 

For a moment Robin stood thinking, and 
all the while the friar’s eyes twinkled with 
merriment. 

“Come then,” said Robin, bending his back 
before the thickset figure. 

Robin groaned under the friar’s weight, but 
he struggled to the water’s edge and started 
across the ford. It was hard work, you may 
be sure. Twice the greenwood leader stumbled 
on the slippery stones. The friar chuckled 
quietly and tightened his grasp to keep from 
tumbling into the water. Robin was a little 
short of breath when he reached the opposite 
bank, and a frown clouded his face. 

“I thank thee, sir,” said the friar, leaping 
lightly on his feet, and shaking with laughter. 


ROBIN HOOD AND FRIAR TUCK 63 

But Robin was in no mood for merriment. 
He said sternly, 

“Carry me back across the stream, and lose 
no time or it shall go hard with you !” 

The friar said calmly, “’Tis merry sport, 
sir.” Then, 

The friar took Robin on his back again 
And stepped in to the knee, 

But till he came to the middle stream 
Neither good nor bad spake he. 

Suddenly in midstream the lusty shoulders 
gave a quick jerk. Straight over the friar’s 
head into the water went Robin with a mighty 
splash ! 

“Choose, whether thou wilt sink or swim, 
my fine fellow !” said the friar, wading on to the 
opposite bank. 

For a few moments Robin struggled and 
tumbled about in the water. Then he swam 
quickly to the shore, still holding his longbow 
in his hand. He took aim and let fly one of 
his cloth-yard arrows, but the alert friar caught 
it on his buckler, laughed merrily, and called 
out : 


6 4 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 



If thou shoot here a summer’s day, 
Thy mark I will not shun.” 


‘‘Shoot on, shoot on, thou fine fello 
Shoot as thou hast begun. 



Robin shot several arrows, but each time the 
friar’s steel buckler deftly caught them. In a 
few moments the friar called, “Let us have a 
bit of swordplay !” 

Robin threw aside his bow, drew his sword, 
and approached the tantalizing friar. • 

Then followed a mighty struggle, for these 
two were well matched in skill. Suddenly 
the greenwood leader’s foot slipped and down 
he came on his knees before the friar, who took 
no advantage, but paused until Robin regained 
his feet. 

“A boon, a boon ! I see you know what fair 
play means,” cried Robin. 

“Name the boon,” answered the friar. 

“I beg leave to blow three blasts on my 
little horn.” 

“Blow as many blasts as you like,” laughed 
the friar. 

Three clear bugle blasts brought to the op- 


ROBIN HOOD AND FRIAR TUCK 65 

posite waterside Little John, Scarlet, and David 
o’ Doncaster, bearing their longbows. 

" Stand where you are, lads,” called Robin. 

" Whose men are these that come so hastily ?” 
asked the surprised friar. 

"They are my followers,” said Robin. 

"Now then, / crave a boon,” said the friar. 

"Name it,” commanded the greenwood 
leader. 

"Give me leave to set my fist to my mouth 
and whistle thrice.” 

"Granted !” laughed Robin. 

Three shrill whistles rang down the glen. 
A baying of dogs answered the friar’s call and 
six huge mastiffs came bounding to the friar’s 
side. Two of them leaped toward Robin, one 
before and one behind, and almost tore his 
doublet off his back. 

"I can match your followers with faithful 
dogs, sir,” said the friar. 

Twang-! whiz ! whiz ! Robin’s men sped their 
arrows across the stream, for they saw their 
master was in great danger. 

Then, says the old ballad, a curious thing 
happened. To the amazement of Robin’s men 


66 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


the trained mastiffs dodged aside, and caught 
the arrows in their mouths. 

“Our arrows are bewitched !” whispered the 
yeomen. 

Little John rushed forward into the stream, 
and called out sternly, 

“Take off your dogs !” 

“By what right do you command me?” 
asked the friar. 

Instead of answering, Little John sped an 
arrow and struck one of the mastiffs which 
stood barking at Robin. 

“Who are you? Come, answer me?” called 
the friar. 

“I am Little John, and there stands my 
master, Robin Hood !” said the tall yeoman, 
striding through the ford. 

“ Peace, Vixen ! Silence, Fleetfoot ! Down 
all of you!” commanded the friar, walking 
toward Robin. “What say you ? Robin Hood ? 
Have I been playing a sword game with the re- 
nowned Robin Hood of Sherwood forest ?” 

“You have, sir!” answered Little John. 
“Master came to Fountains Abbey to test 
Friar Tuck in the skill of archery !” 


ROBIN HOOD AND FRIAR TUCK 67 

“He measured the strength of my back 
first,” said the friar, slyly. 

“What !” exclaimed Robin. “You are Friar 
Tuck of the Fountains Abbey?” 

The friar nodded his head. “Robin Hood, 
thou art the pluckiest man I have ever met ! 
How can Friar Tuck serve thee ?” 

“Join my band of merry men!” laughed 
Robin. “We lead a happy life in the forest 
glades. Here at Fountains Abbey I’m sure 
you have a dull time of it. Come to the green- 
wood. You shall be master of the feasts there ! 
Come !” 

“To the greenwood I will go!” nodded Friar 
Tuck. “Shall I carry you over the ford, 
master ?” 

“Nay, nay, I would rather trust my legs, 
good Tuck !” laughed Robin. “Come, we have 
many miles to travel before we reach the trysting 
tree. 

Robin Hood, Little John, Friar Tuck, and his 
faithful dogs crossed the stream, joined Scarlet 
and David o’ Doncaster and started off toward 
Sherwood. On the way the merry men amused 
Friar Tuck by telling him about their happy 


68 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


life in the forest. As they neared the trysting 
tree they caught glimpses of a crackling wood 
fire and smelt venison roasting. 

“That savory odor sharpens my appetite,” 
said Friar Tuck. 

“Welcome to a greenwood feast,” quoth 
Robin. 

The merry men in the dell were preparing 
supper and singing merrily, 

What life is there like to this in the wood 
With Robin Hood, Scarlet, and John ? 

Their like was never, nor never will be 
In case that they were gone. 

They will not away from merry Sherwood, 

In any place else to dwell; 

For there is neither city nor town, 

That likes them half so well. 

Our lives are wholly given to hunt 



■ROBIN HOOD AND - 
AIXAN-A-DADE 

Come listen to me, you gallants so free, 

All you that love mirth for to hear, 

And I will tell you of a bold outlaw, 

That lived in Nottinghamshire. 

As Robin Hood in the forest stood, 

All under the greenwood tree, 

There was he aware of a brave young man, 
As fine as fine might be. 

The youngster was clothed in scarlet red, 
In scarlet fine and gay, 

And he did frisk it over the plain, 

And chanted a roundelay. 

As Robin Hood next morning stood, 
Amongst the leaves so gay, 

There did he espy the same young man 
Come drooping along the way. 

The scarlet he wore the day before, 

It was clean cast away ; 

And every step he fetched a sigh, 

“ Alack and a well a day ! ” 

69 




TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


70 

Then stepped forth brave Little John, 

And Much the miller’s son, 

Which made the young man bend his bow, 
When he did see them come. 

“ Stand off, stand off,” the young man said, 

“ What is your will with me ? ” 

“ You must come before our master straight, 
Under yon greenwood tree.” 

And when he came bold Robin before, 

Robin asked him courteously, 

“O, hast thou any money to spare 
For my merry men and me ? ” 

“ I have no money,” the young man said, 

“ But five shillings and a ring ; 

And that I have kept this seven long years, 
To have it at my wedding. 

“ Yesterday I should have married a maid, 

But she is now from me ta’en, 

And chosen to be an old knight’s delight, 
Whereby my poor heart is slain.” 

“ What is thy name ?” then said Robin Hood, 
“ Come tell me, without any fail.” 


ROBIN HOOD AND ALLAN-A-DALE 


7 1 


“By the faith of my body,” then said the young 
man, 

“ My name it is Allan-a-Dale.” 

“What wilt thou give me,” said Robin Hood, 

“ In ready gold or fee, 

To help thee to thy true-love again, 

And deliver her unto thee ? ” 

“ I have no money,” then quoth the young man, 
“ No ready gold nor fee, 

But I will swear upon a book 
Thy true servant for to be.” 

“ How many miles is it to thy true-love ? 

Come tell me without any guile.” 

“ By the faith of my body,” then said the young 
man, 

“It is but five little mile.” 

Then Robin he hasted over the plain, 

He did neither stint nor lin 1 , 

Until he came unto the church 

Where Allan should keep his wedding. 

“ What dost thou do here ? ” the bishop he said, 
“ I prithee now tell to me.” 

1 lin, stop. 


72 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“ I am a bold harper/’ quoth Robin Hood, 

“ And the best in the north country.” 

“Oh welcome, oh welcome,” the bishop he said, 
“That music best pleaseth me.” 

“You shall have no music,” quoth Robin Hood, 
“Till the bride and the bridegroom I see.” 

With that came in a wealthy knight, 

Which was both grave and old, 

And after him a finikin 1 lass, 

Did shine like glistering gold. 

“ This is no fit match,” quoth bold Robin Hood, 
“ That you do seem to make here ; 

For since we are come unto the church, 

The bride shall choose her own dear.” 

Then Robin Hood put his horn to his mouth, 
And blew blasts two or three ; 

When four and twenty bowmen bold 
Came leaping over the lee. 

And when they came into the churchyard, 
Marching all on a row, 

The first man was Allan-a-Dale, 

To give bold Robin his bow. 

1 finikin, handsomely dressed. 


ROBIN HOOD AND ALLAN-A-DALE 


73 


“ This is thy true-love,” Robin he said, 

“Young Allan, as I hear say ; 

And you shall be married at this same time, 
Before we depart away.” 

“ That shall not be,” the bishop he said, 

“ For thy word shall not stand ; 

They shall be three times asked in the church, 
As the law is of our land.” 

Robin Hood pulled off the bishop’s coat, 

And put it upon Little John ; 

“ By the faith of my body,” then Robin said, 

“ This cloth doth make thee a man.” 

When Little John went into the quire, 

The people began to laugh ; 

He asked them seven times in the church, 

Least three times should not be enough. 

“Who gives this maid?” then said Little John. 
Quoth Robin, “That do I,” 

And he that doth take her from Allan-a-Dale 
Full dearly he shall her buy.” 

And thus having ended this merry wedding, 
The bride looked as fresh as a queen, 

And so they returned to the merry greenwood. 
Amongst the leaves so green. 


And Soon They Were Forced to Part 


4 - 







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& 

Rpi&ai 

H A 


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ROBIN HOOD 
" j\ND MMD M&RHN * 



A bonny fine maid of a noble degree, 
Maid Marian called by name, 

Did live in the North, of excellent worth, 
For she was a gallant dame. 


For favor and face, and beauty most rare, 
Queen Helen she did excel ; 

For Marian then was praised of all men 
That did in the country dwell. 

’Twas neither Rosamond nor Jane Shore, 
Whose beauty was clear and bright, 
That could surpass this country lass, 
Beloved of lord and knight. 


The earl of Huntington, nobly born, 
That came of noble blood, 

To Marian went, with a good intent, 

By the name of Robin Hood. 

With kisses sweet their red lips meet, 

For she and the earl did agree ; 

In every place, they did kindly embrace, 
With love and sweet unity. 


ROBIN HOOD 5 


75 





76 TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 

But fortune bore these lovers a spite 
And soon they were forced to part, 

To the merry greenwood then went Robin 
Hood, 

With a sad and sorrowful heart. 

And Marian, poor soul, was troubled in mind, 
For the absence of her friend ; 

With finger in eye, she often did cry, 

And his person did much commend. 

Perplexed, and vexed, and troubled in mind, 

She dressed herself like a page, 

And ranged the wood to find Robin Hood, 

The bravest of men in that age. 

With quiver and bow, sword, buckler, and all, 
Thus armed was Marian most bold, 

Still wandering about to find Robin out, 

Whose person was better than gold. 

But Robin Hood, he himself had disguised, 

And Marian was strangely attired, 

That they proved foes, and so fell to blows, 
Whose valor bold Robin admired. 


ROBIN HOOD AND MAID MARIAN 


77 


“ O hold thy hand, hold thy hand,” said Robin 
Hood, 

“ And thou shalt be one of my string, 

To range in the wood with bold Robin Hood, 

To hear the sweet nightingale sing.” 

When Marian did hear the voice of her love, 
Herself she did quickly discover, 

And with kisses sweet she did him greet, 

Like to a most loyal lover. 

Then Little John took his bow in his hand, 

And wandered far in the wood, 

To kill the deer, and make good cheer, 

For Marian and Robin Hood. 

A stately banquet they had full soon, 

All in a shaded bower, 

Where venison sweet they had to eat, 

And were merry that present hour. 

First Robin Hood began a health 
To Marian his only dear, 

And his yeomen all, both comely and tall, 

Did quickly bring up the rear. 


78 TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 

At last they ended their merriment, 

And went to walk in the wood, 

Where Little John and Maid Marian 
Attended on bold Robin Hood. 

In solid content together they lived, 

With all their yeomen gay ; 

They lived by their hands, without any lands, 
And so they did many a day. 

But now to conclude, an end I will make 
In time, as I think it good, 

For the people that dwell in the North can tell 
Of Marian and bold Robin Hood. 



ROBIN HOOD AND THE WIDOW S SONS 



But Robin Hood so gentle was 
And bore so brave a mind, 

If any in distress did pass, 

To them he was so kind, 

That he would give and lend to them, 

To help them in their need ; 

This made the poor all pray for him 
And wish he might well speed. 

One day, in the pleasant springtime, when 
the great forest trees were veiled in tender green 
leaves and the fragrant hedgerows were white 
with May blossoms, Robin Hood and his bride, 
Maid Marian, sauntered down one of the moist 
woodland paths which led to the highroad. 
As they drew near the edge of the wood, Robin 
thought he heard a low cry of distress. 

“ It comes from the highway, I think,” he 
whispered to Maid Marian. 

They stopped and listened. Again they heard 
it. 

“ Robin, some one is in deep trouble,” an- 
swered Maid Marian. “What can we do ? ” 


79 



8o 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“ I know a short cut to the highway. Slip 
into this coppice and wait until I come back. 
I shall not be gone long,” said Robin. 

Off he ran in the direction of the highway. 
When he reached the road which led to Notting- 
ham town, he saw a poor old woman seated 
on a large stone by the wayside. She was cry- 
ing as if her heart would break. 

“What news, what news, my good woman ?” 
said Robin gently. “Tell me why you are 
weeping so bitterly.” 

“Robin Hood! Oh, Robin Hood! I was 
coming to seek you!” she replied. “I am in 
deep trouble! Oh, my sons! my sons!” 

“Tell me, old friend, what is the matter. 
Perhaps I can help you,” answered Robin. 

“My three sons are condemned to die this 
day in Nottingham town,” she cried. 

“Condemned to die!” repeated Robin. 
“What have they done to deserve such severe 
punishment ? Have they burned parishes, or 
slain ministers, or robbed any maiden?” 

“ Nay, nay, Master Robin,” sobbed the old 
woman, “they have not burned parishes, nor 
slain ministers, nor robbed any maiden.” 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE WIDOW’S SONS 81 

“Then tell me what they have done,” said 
Robin, gently. 

“Oh, sir! they carried their longbows into 
the forest and shot one of the king’s deer. 
The royal foresters seized them and took them 
before the sheriff of Nottingham. They are 
condemned to die this day. Oh, sir, save them, 
do!” Again she burst into tears. 

For a moment Robin stood thinking. 

“Take courage, good dame,” he said. “Go 
home and remember what I say. I’ll save 
your sons.” 

He turned and walked briskly back to the 
spot where Maid Marian was waiting. Quickly 
he told her the story and as they hastened to- 
gether to the trysting tree they planned how 
the poor widow’s sons could be saved. 

“What means this haste, master?” said a 
voice, as Robin neared the camp of the yeomen. 

“Little John, you must help me to-day,” 
said Robin. “At noon three youths of Notting- 
ham are condemned to die for killing the king’s 
deer. Bring threescore yeomen disguised as 
peasants to Nottingham. Mingle with the 
crowd near the market place and await my 


82 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


signal. Also station twoscore men near the 
edge of the wood.” 

“I understand, master,” said Little John. 

“ Farewell, Maid Marian,” said Robin. 
“ Have no fears. We shall free the widow’s 
sons and come back safely.” 

Robin hurried away at once, for he knew he 
had no time to lose. 

II 

Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone 
In this merry month of May. 

And there he met with an old palmer, 

Who was walking along the highway. 

Robin walked briskly along the highway, 
turning over in his mind plans to save the 
three youths. Suddenly he looked up and saw 
an aged palmer coming toward him. The old 
man was returning from a long pilgrimage. 
He wore an old tattered cloak, patched shoes, 
and a very shabby, high hat. Every few steps 
he stopped to rest on his staff. 

“What news, what news, my good old man ?” 
cried Robin. 




ROBIN HOOD AND THE WIDOW’S SONS 83 

“Sir, three youths in Nottingham town are 
condemned to die to-day.” 

“That is heavy news,” sighed Robin, shak- 
ing his head and looking carefully at the palmer’s 
tattered cloak. In a moment he said : 

“My good old man, will you change clothes 
with me ? I’ll give you forty shillings in silver, 
if you will ! ” 

The palmer was much puzzled. He looked 
down at his tattered cloak and said : “ But 
your apparel is good and mine is ragged and 
torn. I tell you, sir, you shouldn’t laugh an 
old man to scorn.” 

“I mean what I say, old churl,” answered 
Robin. “If you will speedily change your 
apparel for mine, you shall have forty shillings. 
Come, decide quickly.” 

When the old palmer saw that the stranger 
was in earnest, he willingly agreed to change 
clothes and accept the money. 

Robin could not help smiling as he put on 
the old man’s hat which stood full high on the 
crown, and threw over his shoulders the tattered 
old cloak patched with black, blue, and red. 

“Surely this palmer had little pride,” thought 


8 4 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


Robin, as he pulled on the old man’s breeches 
which were covered back and front with great 
patches. 

“Do not forget the bags, stranger,” said the 
old man. “See, this one is for meal; this, for 
malt. Here are the others ; one is for barley 
and corn, one for bread, one for beef, and see, 
I have one bag left.” 

“I’ll slip my little horn into that one,” said 
Robin, quickly. 

Last of all the palmer took off a pair of 
tattered hose, patched from the ankle to the 
knee, and shoes which were cobbled in many 
places to keep them from falling to pieces. 

Robin could hardly keep from bursting out 
laughing when he thought how comical the 
clothes made him look. He said to himself : 
“Well, I surely believe there is much truth in 
the old saying, ‘It’s good habit that makes a 
man.’ I wonder what Little John would say 
if he saw me now!” 

Away he started toward the town of Notting- 
ham. The old hat was pulled down over his 
eyes, and he walked very slowly, stopping every 
few moments to rest on his palmer’s staff. 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE WIDOW’S SONS 85 


m 

Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone 
With a link, a down, and a down. 

And there he met with the proud sheriff 
Who was walking about the town. 

“ Heaven save thee, good sheriff ! Heaven 
bless thee, and save thee, sir,” said an old palmer 
to the proud sheriff of Nottingham who was 
walking along the main street of the town. 

“Well, old palmer,” said the sheriff,' in a 
surly tone, “you are back from your pilgrim- 
age, I see.” 

“Sir sheriff, is it true that you are in need of 
a hangman to-day ?” asked the old man, humbly, 
as he leaned on his staff. 

“It is, indeed,” answered the sheriff. “Three 
rogues are condemned to die to-day for killing 
the king’s deer.” 

“Are they Sherwood forest outlaws, sir?” 

“No, they are not,” snapped the sheriff; 
“they are youths belonging to Nottingham 
town, but I have given them the severest pun- 




86 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


ishment because I am determined to teach those 
Sherwood knaves what their fate will be if ever 
they fall into my hands. The news of the 
hanging will reach Robin Hood’s ears, I assure 
you.” 

“No doubt of that,” said the old man, shaking 
his head wisely. “Now may I ask, good sir, 
what fee you will give if I serve as hangman 
to-day?” 

“Thirteen pence is the fee, old man,” said the 
sheriff, eying the palmer sharply. “ But if you 
will serve me well, I’ll give you a suit of 
clothes, also. Surely you have no greater 
need ! Come, will you be my hangman to-day ?” 

“Aye, sir, that I will!” said Robin, and for- 
getting that he was acting the part of a feeble 
old man, he fairly leaped for joy. 

“Methinks you are very nimble, old palmer,” 
said the sheriff, in surprise. 

“Ah,” replied Robin, quickly, “I am, indeed ! 
It has been many a long day since I earned 
thirteen pence, sir, and the thought of a new 
suit of clothes makes me very happy. Pray 
give me your orders, sir sheriff.” 

“At high noon to-day come to the market 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE WIDOW’S SONS 87 

place near the west gate of the town. The 
soldiers will bring the prisoners forth at that 
time. ,, 

“I will not fail you, sir ,” said the old palmer, 
quickly. 

About an hour later a large crowd gathered 
near the market place to see the punishment 
of the widow’s three sons. The news of their 
arrest and the severe penalty which they were 
to pay for poaching on the king’s deer spread 
rapidly, and many of the country people who 
lived within ten miles of Nottingham had 
reached the town by eleven o’clock. The people 
stood about in little groups, whispering to one 
another. 

“Perhaps the sheriff will be merciful and at 
the last moment change the sentence,” said one, 
in a low voice. 

“Let us hope he will,” answered another. 
“The prisoners are such good lads, and some 
say they needed food badly.” 

“It is their first offense at poaching,” whis- 
pered still another, “but the sheriff is deter- 
mined to make an example of them ! What 
deep sorrow for their poor mother!” 


88 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“’Tis an unfair sentence!” said a youth who 
knew the lads. “The sheriff is a wicked 
tyrant !” 

“Hush,” answered his comrade, in a warning 
voice; “if the sheriff’s officers should hear 
you, you would share the same fate as the poor 
widow’s sons.” 

“Here they come,” ran the whisper among 
the people. In a moment all eyes were turned 
in the direction of the jail. The doors opened, 
and a body of soldiers led the three sturdy yeo- 
men to the open space where the sheriff and the 
old palmer stood. 

“They are ready for you, old man,” said the 
sheriff, in a cruel, hard voice. 

“Shall I hear their last confession first, sir 
sheriff?” 

“It matters little. Come, do your work 
quickly and do it well,” answered the sheriff, 
impatiently. 

The old palmer stepped up to the three yeo- 
men, looked sharply into each one’s face, and 
whispered as he bent forward, “To the west 
gate when I say ‘ready’!” At the same time 
he slyly cut the ropes which bound their hands. 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE WIDOW’S SONS 89 

The people stood in breathless silence. Sud- 
denly the old palmer turned toward the crowd 
and straightened his bent figure. Then he threw 
off his queer hat and tittered cloak, lifted a 
small horn to his lips and blew three shrill 
blasts. “Make way there, make way! 
Ready!” he shouted in a stern, commanding 
voice. Threescore yeomen, disguised as peas- 
ants among the crowd of people, threw off their 
cloaks, drew their swords, and rushed forward. 
Away ran the widow’s three sons to the west 
gate where David o’ Doncaster and Will Stutely 
stood ready to help them pass the guard. 

The people fled in all directions, crying 
out, “ Robin Hood, Robin Hood !” 

“Seize him, seize him,” rang out the sheriff’s 
voice. “A hundred pounds to the soldier who 
captures Robin Hood!” 

There was a clash of weapons for a few 
moments. Then the greenwood yeomen, led 
by their master and Little John, fought their 
way past the sheriff’s bewildered soldiers to 
the west gate and made off to the edge of the 
wood, where some of Robin Hood’s men were 
waiting with their longbows. 


9 o 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


When the soldiers saw Robin Hood’s men 
standing with bows and arrows ready, they 
were afraid to make an attack, for they knew 
they could not match the skillful archery of 
the greenwood men. 

The people slipped hurriedly away to their 
homes. When safely out of the cruel sheriff’s 
hearing, many of them rejoiced heartily because 
the three gallant youths had escaped. 

“There will be three more yeomen in the 
greenwood band,” whispered one. 

“Ah!” declared another, “Robin Hood is 
indeed the poor man’s friend.” 

“What a joyful heart the poor widow has 
to-night !” said more than one mother. 

Meanwhile Robin Hood and a few of his men 
lingered near the outskirt of the forest until 
the noise and clamor in the town of Nottingham 
gradually died away. 

Suddenly the figure of a poor old woman came 
out from behind one of the large trees, hurried 
forward with outstretched hands, and said, 
with trembling joy, “Robin Hood, I thank 
thee.” 



( 9 1 ) 


“ ‘ Make way there, make way ! Ready ! ’ ” 


LITTLE JOHN AND THE SHERIFF 



Merry it is in the good greenwood, 

When the mavis and the merle are singing, 

When the deer sweeps by, 

And the hounds are in cry 
And the hunter’s horn is ringing. 

— Scott. 

The morning after the adventure in Notting- 
ham town Robin called his merry men together 
under the trysting tree and said, “The sheriff 
is very angry because we outwitted him ; there- 
fore, for the next few weeks, let us seek sport 
in the peaceful glades of the forest.” The yeo- 
men willingly followed Robin’s advice, and 
for some time after the rescue of the widow’s 
three sons the greenwood band stayed away 
from Nottingham town. 

“Master,” said Little John, on a fair summer 
morning, “there is to be a shooting match in 
Nottingham to-day.” 

“And your face tells me you would like to 
go, Little John,” answered Robin, smiling. 


92 


LITTLE JOHN AND THE SHERIFF 


93 


“Aye, master, and I promise you I’ll disguise 
myself so that even you would not know me.” 

“Ah, Little John, you know that is impos- 
sible. But see to it, lad, that the sheriff and 
his men suspect you not. I could never do 
without my best man,” said Robin. 

Little John disguised himself very carefully, 
took his stout bow of Spanish yew and a quiver 
of cloth-yard arrows, and went to Nottingham 
town. 

A large crowd of townspeople and country 
folk had gathered on the green where the 
shooting match was to take place. Near the 
targets sat the sheriff and some of the gentle- 
folk. 

In a short time the archers were ready, and 
when the herald called the names, each one 
stepped forward and shot three shafts. Many 
clever bowmen took part, and each time an 
arrow struck the clout the people cheered at 
the top of their voices. Little John happened 
to come last of all. When he stepped into the 
open, those who stood watching, whispered : 
“Who is the tall stranger? What a stout- 
looking yeoman he is!” 

ROBIN HOOD 6 


94 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


Three times the shaft struck the clout ! 

“Ho! for the tall archer! A champion ! A 
champion/’ cried the people. 

“That is the cleverest archery I’ve seen for 
many a day,” thought the sheriff. “I’ll find 
out the young giant’s name.” 

He stepped up to Little John and said : “You 
have won the prize, young man. I declare you 
are the most skillful archer I have ever seen 
except that knave of a R 

“What knave, sir?” asked Little John. 

“I say you are a very clever archer,” snapped 
the sheriff. “What is your name ?” 

“Men call me Reynold Greenleaf, sir, when 
I am at home,” said Little John, laughing to 
himself because the name he gave meant “Fox 
of the Greenwood.” 

“In what county were you born ? and where 
do you dwell ?” asked the sheriff. 

“I was born in Holderness, sir sheriff, but I 
do not dwell there at present.” 

“Reynold Greenleaf, will you join my ser- 
vice ? I will clothe and feed you well ; also, 
I will give you twenty marks a year for your 
fee.” 


LITTLE JOHN AND THE SHERIFF 


95 


“ I have a master who is a kind and gracious 
knight, sir sheriff. I must beg leave of him 
before I can answer you.” 

“In two days’ time let me hear from you, 
Reynold Greenleaf,” said the sheriff, walking 
away. 

The next morning Little John went to the 
sheriff and said, “My master has given me per- 
mission to serve you for one year.” 



The sheriff made Little John his right-hand 
man and placed him at the head of his archers. 

“Reynold Greenleaf, when you are not 
hunting with me,” said the sheriff, “you must 
practice archery with the men I have placed 
under your charge. Perhaps you can teach 
them to become as skillful as you are.” 

The other servants in the sheriff’s household, 
especially the steward, were very jealous indeed 
because the new man had such an easy time. 
“He does nothing but play with that longbow 
of his,” grumbled the steward. “If I ask him 


96 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


to go on an errand, he tells me that the sheriff’s 
chief archer is not expected to run about like 
a page. I do not like his proud way of doing 
as he pleases.” 

One fine autumn morning Little John was 
awakened by a faint sound of the hunter’s 
horn ringing cheerily in the forest. He sprang 
to his feet and thought : “The sheriff has gone 
hunting in Sherwood to-day. This life in Not- 
tingham is growing very dull ; methinks the 
forest life is more to my taste. I wonder what 
Master Robin and the merry men are doing to- 
day ! I’ll find something to eat and then slip 
away to the greenwood!” 

He hastened downstairs and said to the 
steward, “Good sir, I prithee give me a hearty 
breakfast, for I’m as hungry as a wolf.” 

“What do you mean by getting up at this 
time and asking for something to eat ?” grumbled 
the steward. “The time for breakfast is long 
past, and the buttery door shall not be 
opened.” 

“Do as I tell you. Give me something to 
eat,” said Little John, in a commanding voice. 

“Not I, Reynold Greenleaf,” quoth the stew- 


LITTLE JOHN AND THE SHERIFF 


97 


ard. “You shall have nothing to eat until my 
lord comes back to town.” 

“I see I must help myself,” said Little John, 
calmly, as he walked toward the buttery. 

The steward stepped quickly forward and 
locked the door. In an instant Little John gave 
him such a buffet that he reeled and fell. Then 
the young giant burst open the door and said, 
“I’ 11 teach you, master steward, that you must 
not refuse Little John something to eat when 
he is hungry.” 

“Little John !” gasped the steward. “Robin 
Hood’s chief man! Are you Little John?” 

“That is my greenwood name, sir steward,” 
said Little John. 

The poor steward was too frightened to speak. 
As fast as he could, he hobbled away to the 
kitchen where the cook was preparing a fine 
feast for the sheriff’s hunting party. 

“Little John!” whispered the steward, in a 
trembling voice. “Little John is in the 
pantry !” 

The cook looked up in amazement and said, 
“What did you say?” 

“Little John!” gasped the steward. 


98 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“Have you lost your wits?” asked the cook. 

“Go to the pantry and see for yourself. Rey- 
nold Greenleaf is Little John.” Away went 
the steward to the farthest part of the house. 

Now the cook was a stout, fearless man who 
could handle a quarterstaff with much skill. 
He took up his cudgel and made for the pantry 
in great haste. There he saw Reynold Green- 
leaf helping himself to a delicious venison pasty 
which the cook had placed on the pantry shelf 
but a short time before. He sprang forward 
and gave the young giant three blows across 
the back. “You knave of the greenwood,” 
he cried. “I know you! What do you mean 
by helping yourself to the best food in the 
house ?” 

“You have a firm grip, my friend, and those 
were three hearty blows, but you ought not 
to disturb a hungry man,” said Little John, 
grasping his own staff which lay near him. 
“What do you say to a bout with the quarter- 
staff ? I should like to test your skill further.” 

There in the buttery they began a long trial 
with cudgels. Little John was much surprised 
to find the cook very clever with the quarter- 


LITTLE JOHN AND THE SHERIFF 


99 


staff. Once, twice, thrice, no matter how often 
the greenwood yeoman struck, the cook deftly 
turned aside the blows. 

“Hold your hand, good cook,” Little John 
finally said. “You are, indeed,- master of the 
quarterstaff. If you were as clever with the 
longbow as you are with the cudgel, you should 
go to the greenwood with me. We lead a happy 
life there, I assure you. Each one of Robin 
Hood’s merry men receives two suits of Lincoln 
green each year and twenty marks fee. What 
say you ?” 

“Put up your staff and we will be comrades,” 
quoth the cook. “Eve heard many tales about 
the merry life in the greenwood. Shall we have 
a bit of lunch together first ? Methinks there’s 
nothing sharpens the appetite like a bout with 
the quarterstaff.” 

They laid aside their cudgels and feasted 
on the remainder of the venison pasty ; the 
cook brought forth fresh dainties and good red 
wine. For some time they ate in silence, and 
when the board was cleared, they plighted 
their troth together that they would be with 
Robin Hood in the greenwood that selfsame night. 


IOO 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“We will take a present from the treasure 
house to Master Robin,” said the cook. 

Off they ran as fast as they could to the 
treasure house. They broke open the strong 
iron locks and filled a sack full of silver cups, 
goblets, tankards, and spoons — not one did 
they forget. 

“Now away to the greenwood we’ll hasten,” 
said Little John. 


Ill 


In the depths of the greenwood a group of 
merry men were lying on the fresh green grass, 
laughing and talking together. Near by in a 
woodland bower sat Robin and Maid Marian, 
Allan-a-Dale and Alice-a-Dale weaving rose- 
garlands for an archery contest. 

“Master,” called out Much, “do you think 
the sheriff’s men have learned the secret of 
skillful archery by this time?” 

“They have had a clever teacher, Much,” 
said Robin, smiling. 





LITTLE JOHN AND THE SHERIFF 


IOI 


“I wonder when Little John will come back 
to us, Robin,” said Maid Marian. “ Indeed, I 
long to see him again.” 

“They say the steward in the sheriff’s house- 
hold is very jealous of Little John,” said David 
o’ Doncaster. 

“Jealousy often breeds trouble,” answered 
Robin. “I hope no harm will befall Little 
John.” 

A crackling of leaves now attracted the merry 
men’s attention. 

“God save ye, dear master and mistress,” 
cried Little John, running swiftly to the bower 
and falling on one knee before Maid Marian 
and Robin. 

“Welcome, welcome to the greenwood again,” 
quoth Robin, leaping up and seizing Little John’s 
hands in a hearty grasp. 

“Master and Mistress,” said Little John, 
“the sheriff of Nottingham sends you his greet- 
ings ; also his cook, and his silver treasure of 
spoons, cups, and tankards.” 

“Little John, you cannot deceive us. Never 
by his own good will did the sheriff of Notting- 
ham send these goods to me,” said Robin. 


102 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“Come, I see merriment in your eyes. What 
do you mean?” 

“Do tell us your merry jest, little John,” 
said Maid Marian laughing gayly. 

“Good master and mistress, I will tell you all,” 
said Little John. “The sheriff and a few of his 
friends are hunting in Sherwood forest to-day. 
Of course his cook prepared a fine venison pasty 
and many other dainties for the evening feast. 
Now it happened that the cook and I met in 
the pantry at the sheriff's mansion and matched 
skill with the quarterstaff. We were so hungry 
after the bout that we fell to and ate the pasty 
and all the dainties. Good master, you know 
right well that the sheriff must not go without 
his supper, so I thought we would invite his 
honor to feast with us here under the trysting 
tree. To make him feel more at home I 
brought his cook and his silver treasure into 
the forest.” 

“Little John, thou knave of the greenwood, 
what do you mean by such a mad prank?” 
asked Robin, while Maid Marian’s merry laugh 
echoed through the dell. 

“You shall see, master,” said Little John. 


LITTLE JOHN AND THE SHERIFF 


103 


“I know the sheriff is in the greenwood, for 
I saw him about an hour ago, master,” declared 
David o’ Doncaster. 

“Yes,” said Little John, “and as his honor 
doesn’t know that he is to feast under the 
greenwood tree, I think I’d better go and fetch 
him. Dear master, I’ll bring our guest back 
with me. Farewell for a little while.” 

The air in the forest was cool and fresh. 
“How happy I am to be back in these peaceful 
glades,” thought Little John. He ran onward 
for some time, when suddenly he came upon 
the sheriff hunting alone with hound and 
horn. 

Little John knelt courteously before him and 
said, “God save thee, dear master.” 

“Reynold Greenleaf! Where have you been 
and why are you here?” asked the sheriff, in 
surprise. 

“I’ve been in the forest for two hours, sir, 
and I’ve seen the fairest sight man’s eyes ever 
beheld. Yonder I saw a right fair hart and a 
herd of sevenscore deer, — all green in color. 
The hart’s antlers were so sharp that I dared 
not shoot for fear of being slain.” 


io4 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


“A green hart, say you ? Reynold Greenleaf, 
that is a sight I fain would see!” quoth the 
sheriff. 


“Then follow me, sir, and I will lead you to 
the wonder of the forest,” said Little John. 



The sheriff rode away, and Little John ran 
fleetly along beside him. Suddenly they came 
to a large open glade. There under the great 
trysting tree stood Robin Hood. 

“Lo, sir! there is the wonderful hart,” said 
Little John. 

The sheriff turned pale and said, “Woe 
betide you, Reynold Greenleaf ; you have 
betrayed me.” 

“I declare, you are to blame, sir sheriff. You 
rode away to your greenwood without me. 
When I came to the pantry, your steward 're- 
fused to give me anything to eat ; so of course 
I had to help myself to the dainties your cook 
had prepared for you. I thought you would 
enjoy a feast under the greenwood tree.” 

“Welcome to the greenwood, sir sheriff,” 


LITTLE JOHN AND THE SHERIFF 105 

now said Robin Hood. “Come, Maid Marian, 
Alice-a-Dale and all ye merry men, the sheriff 
of Nottingham town is with us to-night.” 

The yeomen now led their guest to the table. 
When his own cook appeared carrying a venison 
pasty, the poor sheriff stared in amazement, 
and when he saw his own silver dishes, he was 
almost overcome with fear. 

“Let us feast and be merry, good sir,” said 
Robin, gayly. “ Little John borrowed your silver 
because he wanted you to feast in state under 
the. greenwood tree.” 

“Little John !” gasped the sheriff. “Is Rey- 
nold Greenleaf Little John ?” 

“He is, indeed,” laughed Robin Hood. “And 
he played a merry prank on you to-day. Your 
silver treasure he brought here for you to use, 
sir sheriff, and when you return to Nottingham, 
you shall carry it all back with you. So cheer up, 
sir. For charity and for the sake of Maid Marian 
no harm shall befall you in the greenwood.” 

These words eased the poor sheriff’s mind. 
He bowed low to Maid Marian, and began to 
eat heartily, for the long hunt had given him a 
' keen appetite. 


io6 


TALES OF ROBIN HOOD 


After supper Robin said, “You shall spend 
the night in the greenwood with us, sir sheriff, 
and learn more about our life here.” 

The sheriff groaned, but said nothing. 

“We will give you a green mantle to wrap 
yourself in,” continued Robin, “for it were a 
pity to sleep in your rich clothes.” 

Little John helped to strip the sheriff of his 
shoes and hose, his kirtle and fur-trimmed cloak. 

The night shadows in the quiet greenwood 
lengthened and faded into darkness, and the 
merry men stretched themselves out on the turf 
under the great trees and fell asleep. 

But their guest could not rest. No matter 
how he twisted and turned, he could not find a 
comfortable place. Right glad he was when the 
birds began to twitter in the branches overhead 
and a rosy light broke through the gray sky. 

“Good morrow ! How do you like our green- 
wood couches, sir sheriff?” said Robin’s cheery 
voice. 


“This is harder order,” said the sheriff, 
“Than any hermit or friar; 

For all the gold in merry England, 

I would not longer dwell here.” 


LITTLE JOHN AND THE SHERIFF 


107 

“Let me go,” then said the sheriff, 

“For the sake of charity, 

And I will be the best friend 
That ever yet had ye.” 

“Sir sheriff, I mean to keep my promise/’ 
said Robin. “You may leave the greenwood 
in peace this morning. But before you go there 
is one thing you must do. 

“Thou shalt swear me an oath,” said Robin, 
“An oath on my bright brand, 

Thou shalt never, never do me harm 
By water nor by land.” 

Gladly the sheriff made the promise, but, 
alas ! he forgot it when he was safely out of the 
greenwood. 

Robin and Little John guided him to the edge 
of the forest, and when he parted from them and 
rode down the highway to Nottingham town, 
he wondered what his archers would say when 
they learned that they had been practicing 
archery with Little John of Robin Hood’s band. 


When fields were dight with blossoms white , and 
leaves of lively green , 

The Maypole rear'd its flow 9 ry head , and dancing 
round were seen 

A youthful band , join'd hand in hand , shoon 

and kirtle trim , 

jo/^/y roj^ melody of Flora's morning 
hymn. 

Her garlands , too, 0/ varied hue , merry milk- 

maid wove , 

Jack the Piper caprioled within his dancing 
grove ; 

Will , Friar Tuck , John , Robin 

Hood their king , 

Bold foresters ! blythe choristers ! made vale and 
mountain ring. 

— Old Song. 



108 


PART II 

PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


\ 



Reading the Warrant 







ROBIN HOOD AND THE 
BANBURY TINKER 

CHARACTERS 

Tom Potts, the Tinker 
Innkeeper of Red Hart Inn 
Innkeeper of White Swan Inn 
Little John 
Messenger 

Time — In the reign of King Richard , Cceur de Lion . 

Season — The spring . 

Place — Near Sherwood Forest. 


Robin Hood 
First Forester 
Second Forester 
Third Forester 




Scene i 



In front of an old-fashioned inn called the White Swan 
are three foresters and a tinker. They are laughing and 
talking , and singing merry songs. 


First Forester. Come, lads, another round of 
song. Ready ! (. All sing.) 


Merry it was, in the green forest, 

Among the leaves so green, 

Where brave men walk both east and west 
With bows and arrows keen. 

Oh, which of you can kill a buck, 

Or who can kill a doe ? 

Or who can kill a hart of greece (grace) 
Five hundred foot him fro ? 
robin hood — 7 in 


1 1 2 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Tinker. It’s time for me to be off, lads. I know 
it would be hard to beat our singing, but I must 
warble along the highway if I’m to mend any 
pots and pans. A tinker’s life is a jolly strife. 

Second Forester. Wait a bit, friend tinker. I 
see a dusty-looking blade on horseback. Per- 
haps he is coming to the White Swan for lunch. 

Third Forester. Good morrow ! Good mor- 
row ! Where are you riding in such haste ? 
Come, alight and rest awhile. I’m sure you 
can tell us a bit of jolly good news. 

Messenger (alights). Good day, lads ! That was 
a merry song I heard echoing down the dale ! 

Tinker. Aha ! Tom Potts was always con- 
sidered the best singer in Banbury. 

First Forester. Come, what news ? From what 
part of the country do you come ? 

Messenger. I belong to Nottinghamshire, my 
friends. I’m the sheriff’s messenger, and I’ve 
been scouring the country these seven days to 
find a plucky, stout-hearted man. 

First Forester. Ha ! ha ! You have stopped 
at the right place. 

Second Forester. What’s to be done ? 

Third Forester. Foresters are the boldest of lads. 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE BANBURY TINKER 113 

Tinker. My respects to the foresters, but 
know ye now that I come from Banbury town 
where Banbury cakes make the pluckiest lads. 
Tell Tom Potts what’s to be done. A braver 
man you cannot find. 

Messenger. Now by Saint Dunstan I’ll test 
your grit. 

First Forester. Come, come. Here are four 
stout Saxon hearts ready to prove their pluck. 

Messenger ( looks cautiously about). Then stand 
close, lads. I’ve a warrant from the sheriff 
of Nottingham. It bears the king’s great red 
seal and I’m looking for a man who is plucky 
enough to serve it on Robin Hood. 

Foresters (together). Robin Hood! 

First Forester. You had better ride on, say I. 

Second Forester. Methinks you’ll search an- 
other week before you find a man bold enough 
to serve your warrant. 

Third Forester. What ! Do you hope to find a 
simpleton willing to stand target to a gray- 
goose shaft ? Ha ! ha ! What say you, friend 
tinker ? You have surely heard of Robin Hood ? 

Tinker. Oh, yes, I’ve heard the name. But it 
does not frighten me ! Tom Potts fears no man. 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


114 

First Forester. Why, do you not know that 
Robin Hood is the King of Outlaws ? He lives 
in the heart of Sherwood Forest, kills the king’s 
game in the royal preserve, robs knight, abbot, 
and sheriff ; indeed I’ve heard that the bishop 
himself turns pale when the name of Robin 
Hood is mentioned. 

Tinker ( whirls his great staff) . Oho ! They 
should learn to handle a cudgel. I could teach 
them. 

Second Forester. And well may the bishop turn 
pale. Have you heard what happened to him 
only two weeks ago ? 

All. No, do tell us. 

Second Forester. The bishop and his retinue 
were riding through the southern part of the 
great forest, so, of course, they kept constantly 
on the alert for robbers and outlaws. Suddenly 
they came upon a band of rowdy shepherds 
feasting merrily on the king’s venison. The 
bishop stopped and ordered his attendants to 
arrest the rogues, whereupon the leader of the 
band whipped out a horn from under his gray 
shepherd’s cloak and blew three shrill bugle 
blasts. In a twinkling his honor, the bishop, 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE BANBURY TINKER 115 

was surrounded by outlaws and he soon dis- 
covered that the leader of the shepherds was 
Robin Hood. 

First Forester. Robin Hood ! 

Third Forester. And the bishop was alone with 
the outlaws ? 

Second Forester. He was, and Robin Hood in- 
vited his honor to dine under the trysting tree 
in the heart of the greenwood. Of course the 
feast had to be paid for, and they say the bishop 
was obliged to give several hundred pounds for 
the entertainment. They forced him to eat, 
and after the meal was over the outlaw minstrel 
Allan-a-Dale struck up a tune and the whole 
band fell to dancing and hopping about like mad. 
And what is worst of all, they say Robin Hood 
made the bishop join in the sport and dance 
until his honor was completely out of breath ! 
Think of it ! 

Third Forester, Shocking ! Where did you 
learn about this ? 

Second Forester. One of the merry men de- 
scribed the whole affair to a cousin of mine who 
is a servant in the sheriff’s house. He said 
that the sight of the bishop’s dancing made the 


II 6 PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 

outlaws laugh until they rolled over on the 
grass. Finally the chief called out, “ Enough; 
the bishop may depart.” They say if any 
one mentions Robin Hood’s name before the 
bishop, he shakes like an autumn leaf. 

Tinker ( whirls his great staff). Let the bishop 
learn cudgels, say I. Hurrah ! 

First Forester. I have heard that this Robin 
Hood is the slyest fox in the world. Why, man, 
he goes about anywhere he chooses and wears 
all manner of clothes so that no one can tell 
who he is. 

Tinker. A sly fox is he ? Just put the right 
dog on his track. Do tell me more about him, 
for I begin to think he is a right jolly blade. 

First Forester. Then hear this ! Robin Hood’s 
mare Black Bess is fleet as an arrow, and her 
shoes are bewitched. One can never find any 
trace of her hoofprints. 

Tinker. Oho ! What sport ! What sport ! 

Messenger. Come, lads, enough of this. I’m 
afraid if the good tinker hears any more tales, 
he’ll be afraid to serve my warrant. 

Tinker. Oh, no danger ! no danger of that ! 
There’s no man in England who can frighten 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE BANBURY TINKER 117 

me ! See you this crab-tree staff ? Let Tom 
Potts bring it down on any villain’s pate once — 

Third Forester. Yes, yes ! We grant you have 
a firm grip and that you are master of cudgeling, 
but how will you come near this Robin Hood ? 
He’s as slippery as an eel. Why, the sheriff 
himself has talked to him a dozen times and has 
not known him, until too late. 

Innkeeper. I know a good tale about Robin 
Hood, lads. 

Tinker. Come, host, let us have it. 

Messenger. You must promise to keep up your 
pluck. I haven’t told you yet how much the 
reward is for arresting him. One hundred 
pounds is offered as a prize. 

Tinker ( jumps up and whirls his cudgel). 
One hundred pounds, do you say ? Now this 
is a lucky day for me. One hundred pounds ? 
Why, man, ’tis more money than I can earn in 
years mending pots and pans. Let’s have the 
story. Nothing can turn me from such a prize. 

Innkeeper. About ten days ago a noble knight 
stopped at the White Swan for refreshment and 
lodging. In the evening we had a merry com- 
pany, and the guests told many adventures of 


1 1 8 PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 

Robin Hood and his band of outlaws. I 
noticed that the knight was very quiet, but I 
thought the tales made him a bit anxious about 
the journey he was to take in the morning. He 
rose at four o’clock and prepared to start. 
Another guest, who seemed to have very gentle 
manners, was also ready, and as their journey 
lay in the same direction, past Sherwood Forest, 
they agreed to keep together for safety. 

When they reached the outskirts of the great 
wood, the stranger asked the knight if he had 
carefully hidden away what gold he possessed, 
as there was danger at any time of an attack 
from the outlaws. The stranger then whispered 
that he himself had but three guineas, which 
were carefully stowed away in the soles of his 
boots. The knight answered that he had taken 
precaution by sewing fifty golden angels in the 
tail of his long cloak. On they rode. Sud- 
denly the stranger cried out, “Halt, Sir Knight ! 
The tail of thy cloak must now come off!” 
And in an instant three bugle blasts echoed 
through the great wood. Aha ! Now know ye 
the stranger’s name ? 

Foresters. Robin Hood ? 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE BANBURY TINKER 119 

Innkeeper {nodding). Out of the forest trooped 
a score of men who helped their master to clip 
off the good knight’s cloak. You may be sure 
he was too frightened to continue his journey; 
so he rode back to the White Swan and told me 
how a wicked trick had made the outlaws fifty 
golden angels richer. 

Tinker. What a stupid fellow the knight was ! 
Robin Hood would never catch Tom Potts in 
that way. Why, comrades, I could listen all day 
to the tales about this jolly outlaw. 

{Foresters whisper together and shake their heads.) 

Tinker {continues). What a good bit of work 
it will be to catch him. He must be up before 
the lark to escape Tom Potts if once I get trace 
of him. I’m right glad that I know a few of his 
tricks. Til serve Rogue Robin with the king’s 
warrant, and if he dare refuse to come along with 
me, I’ll crack his crown with my crab-tree staff. 
Can he use a cudgel ? There’s no one in the 
whole country who can shake my grip. Ha ! 
ha ! ha ! One hundred pounds ! 

Messenger. Then come along with me. At 
last I’ve found a plucky man. 


120 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 



Scene 2 

Time — About noon. 
Place — The highroad. 



The tinker who is very tired is sitting on a large stone by 
the roadside. He looks cautiously about , and then takes the 
warrant out of his pouch. The crab-tree staff lies at his 
side. 


Tinker. Now, by my faith, I wish I could put 
you into the right hands and get the golden 
prize. I must have patience. I’ve said that 
sly fox, Robin Hood, shall not escape me, and I’ll 
make good my word. Tom Potts was not 
fed on Banbury cakes for nothing. 

( Tinker doubles up the warrant and puts it care- 
fully into his pouch. Then he rises and goes 
singing down the road. From the opposite 
direction Robin Hood in a gray suit ap- 
proaches.) 

Tinker (sings). 

I have a warrant from the king 
To take him where I can, oh! 

If you can tell me where he is, 

I will make you a man, oh! 

I will make you a man, oh! 



ROBIN HOOD AND THE BANBURY TINKER 121 


Robin Hood. A fine day, my friend. 

Tinker. Humph. You do not look like a 
churl, and yet you stopped the finest singing in 
the whole countryside with never a “ By your 
leave. ” 

Robin Hood {laughing). By your leave, my 
good sir. How could I pass such a merry blade 
without greeting ? What a fine cudgel you have ! 
Now I’ll warrant you are master of cudgels as 
well as master of song. 

Tinker. Truer word was never spoken. You 
have a nimble tongue. What news can you tell 
me this morning ? 

Robin Hood. Tell me first in what part of the 
country you belong. 

Tinker. I am from Banbury. Come, come, 
if you have any news, let me have it. 

Robin Hood. From Banbury, did you say ? 
Now promise me you will take my news good- 
naturedly, for it is a tale from Banbury. 

Tinker. Out with it then. 

Robin Hood. Listen, my friend. Two Ban- 
bury tinkers met a sad fate. 

Tinker. What do you mean ? 

Robin Hood. Two Banbury tinkers were set 


122 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


in the stocks yesterday. They were vagabonds, 
you see ! Ha ! ha ! 

Tinker. Now let me tell you, if they had put 
all the vagabonds abroad in the stocks, you 
would not be here to tell a tale. 

Robin Hood ( laughing heartily ) . Good ! Good ! 
You have paid me in my own coin. A right 
jolly blade you are ! I see by your bag you are 
a tinker. Surely, then, you have a bit of news 
for me. Why, they say that tinkers are as full 
of news as an egg is full of meat. Let us walk 
in the direction of the Red Hart Inn. From 
the feeling I have here it must be near noontime. 

Tinker. If you know where the nearest inn 
is, I don’t mind walking with you, for you are 
good-natured. I wonder how long you have 
lived around this part of the country ? 

Robin Hood. Oh, for some time, my friend. 

Tinker {cautiously). Have you ever heard 
of Robin Hood ? 

Robin Hood {loudly). Robin Hood ? Did you 
say Robin Hood ? 

Tinker. Softly, softly. Perhaps we had better 
go to the inn before I tell you what I have in 
mind. 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE BANBURY TINKER 123 

Robin Hood. Is your news about Robin Hood ? 

Tinker. Aye, it is. But I’ve heard it is not 
safe even to think that rascal’s name near this 
forest. 

Robin Hood. Oh, indeed ? Now I declare, 
I can tell you a tale about Robin Hood ! 

Tinker. Sh ! sh ! Say no more until we reach 
the Red Hart Inn, and while we eat our bit of 
lunch, I’ll tell you what I have in mind. Per- 
haps you can help me. 

Robin Hood. How glad I am to have a com- 
panion who has a bit of jolly good news. Come 
along, friend tinker. A fine lunch we shall have 
at the Red Hart. 


Scene 3 


Time — Noon. 


^ Place — The Red Hart Inn. 



Robin Hood. A pleasant day, friend host. I 
hope you have dinner ready, for I’ve brought 
a jolly tinker to dine at the Red Hart to-day. 

Innkeeper. You are welcome. Come, sit here 
and Fll bring you something substantial. Will 
you have anything more tasty to eat with the 
bread and cheese ? 


124 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Robin Hood. Aye, aye, good host ! Give us 
the very best that you have. 

Innkeeper. A baked fowl is ready to serve, sir. 

Robin Hood. Let us have it. 

Tinker. What will such a dinner cost ? 

Robin Hood. Oh, we’ll talk about that later. 
Now, friend, begin your news, and we’ll rest here 
for an hour or so. 

Tinker. We must be cautious and speak very 
softly. You remember I began to tell you some- 
thing about Robin Hood. 

Robin Hood. Oh, to be sure. You mean the 
outlaw, do you not ? He is much talked about 
around this part of the country. 

Tinker. True enough. And my news is this : 
I intend to catch him and earn one hundred 
pounds. A reward of one hundred pounds is 
offered for catching him. 

Robin Hood. What ! One hundred pounds 
offered for catching Robin Hood ? 

Tinker ( looks about). Come a little closer, 
friend. I’m afraid the walls have ears. Now 
I’m going to tell you a secret. In my pouch 
here I have a warrant stamped with the king’s 
great red seal. The sheriff of Nottingham has 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE BANBURY TINKER 125 

planned to have the warrant served on Robin 
Hood, and I am the only man the sheriff’s mes- 
senger could find brave enough to do the work. 
You see it takes not only a plucky man, but also 
a sly one. Now, friend, I like you, and if you can 
help me in this matter, I’ll share the prize of 
one hundred pounds with you. We will put our 
heads together and make a plan to trap this 
villain. What say you ? Let us serve the 
warrant on Robin Hood. 

Robin Hood. What say I ? Friend tinker, I say 
you had better guard your warrant, for IVe heard 
Robin Hood is the cunningest rogue in England. 

Tinker. Of course he’s cunning. But let 
him get ahead of Tom Potts if he can. I tell 
you I am his match. 

Robin Hood. Do you know what the king will 
do with him ? 

Tinker. That I do. His majesty will hang 
him on a gallows forty feet high and let all 
rogues in the country see how outlaws are 
punished. Trust Jack Ketch for hanging the 
rascal high enough. 

Robin Hood. But, friend tinker, I’ve heard a 
few good reports about Robin Hood. Do you 


126 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


think he deserves such severe punishment ? 
Some people say the outlaw has a kind heart 
and often helps, the poor and needy. Also, it 
is well known that he was forced by cruel, 
wicked laws to take up his life in the forest. 

Tinker. Oh, that may be. But I can’t bother 
about what he deserves. I’m bound to catch 
him. I shall earn one hundred pounds in good 
money. Besides that, the whole of England 
will be talking about Tom Potts, the Banbury 
tinker, who was sly enough to bring the deepest 
rogue in England to justice. Come now, will 
you help me ? Say yes, and I promise to share 
the golden prize with you. 

Robin Hood. I am thinking the matter over. 
Did I tell you that I have seen Robin Hood ? 

Tinker ( jumps up). What ! Do tell me what 
he is like. 

Robin Hood. I saw him walking along the high- 
road one day with his best man whose name is 
Little John. Little John is seven feet high 
and carries a cudgel as thick as yours. 

Tinker. Ha ! ha ! I should like to have a 
bout with either of them. {Yawns.) Now what 
does Robin Hood look like ? 



“Sly you may be, Friend Tinker” 








128 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Robin Hood. Oh ! He is about my size. 

Tinker. Nonsense, man ! You are but a strip- 
ling. Robin Hood is a stout man with a broad 
chest, a great beard, and fierce eyes. {Yawns.) 
That much I know. He’s not a whit like you. 

Robin Hood. Oh, indeed ! Well, perhaps you 
know. Have you had enough to eat ? 

Tinker {yawning). I’m as full as a stuffed 
goose. 

Robin Hood. And you are sleepy, too. Why 
not put your head down on the table and take 
forty winks ? It will do you good. I’ll step 
into the sunshine and think out a plan which 
will help us to lead Master Robin to the king. 

{Robin Hood steps to the door.) 

Tinker {yawns again). About five minutes 
is all that I need. 

{Puts his head down , and falls asleep and snores.) 

Robin Hood {reenters in a little while , slips 
his hand into the tinker s pouch , and draws out 
the warrant). Sly you may be, friend tinker, 
but you let your tongue wag a little too freely. 
I bid you a fond farewell. 

{Innkeeper steps into the room.) 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE BANBURY TINKER 129 


Robin Hood. Here are ten shillings for the good 
feast, mine host. When the tinker wakes up, 
tell him to take the wood path which begins 
near the old lodge. I bid you good day. I 
shall see you again before many days and I 
prithee have a good venison roast ready, for 
I may not come alone. 

Innkeeper. You are always welcome at the 
Red Hart, Master Robin, and I promise you a 
good supper. Can I do anything more for you ? 

Robin Hood. Not to-day, my kind host. Fare- 
well. 

Innkeeper. Farewell, Master Robin. 

{Innkeeper follows Robin Hood to the door and 
looks after him.) 


4 

Time — About 3 o’clock. 

Place — Red Hart Inn. 

Innkeeper {shakes the snoring tinker). Come, 
wake up, wake up. You have been snoring 
long enough. 

Tinker {sleepily). Eighteen pence. I’ll 
mend your saucepan — for eighteen — pence. 

ROBIN HOOD — 8 




130 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Innkeeper. Wake up, I say, and pay your reck- 
oning. 

Tinker. What do you say ? Pay what ? Eh ? 

Innkeeper. For your dinner, of course. Come, 
pay me two shillings. 

Tinker. Two shillings ? What do you mean ? 
Where, is the knave who brought me here ? 
He must pay his share. 

Innkeeper. He has paid his share and gone. 
Knave do you call him ? Let me warn you against 
calling your companion a knave, friend tinker. 

Tinker. Why, who is he ? What’s his name ? 

Innkeeper. He’s the stoutest yeoman in Sher- 
wood Forest, and men who know him call him 
Robin Hood ! 

Tinker. Robin Hood ! Robin Hood! That 
meek-looking youth ? You are jesting, and I’ve 
a good mind to crack your pate. Come, host, 
who is he ? 

Innkeeper. Robin Hood ate dinner here with 
you to-day. Of course I thought he was a 
friend of yours. You were very talkative. 

Tinker. Too talkative, I fear me. 

(i Suddenly fumbles in his pouch and discovers the 
warrant is missing.) 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE BANBURY TINKER 131 

Tinker {excitedly). Where’s my warrant? 
I’ve been robbed. My warrant is gone. A 
thief has stolen my warrant, with the king’s 
seal on it. 

Innkeeper. Warrant for what ? Come, pull 
yourself together and tell me what you mean, 
roaring out like that. 

Tinker. I had a warrant from the king to ar- 
rest Robin Hood, the outlaw, and it has been 
taken from my pouch. Oh, tell me, good host, 
am I dreaming ? Where is my warrant ? 

Innkeeper. You are noisy enough, sleeping or 
waking, friend tinker. Let me see, I saw Master 
Robin reading a paper as he walked down the 
road, and he was laughing until his sides ached. 

Tinker'. That was it. The villain ! The 
thief ! He took my warrant. I’ll go after him. 
He shall know what it means to rob Tom Potts. 
Give me my coat. Where’s my crab-tree staff ? 

rn — 

Innkeeper. Hold ! Hold ! Master Robin left 
word what direction you should take if you 
cared to see him again, but you shall not stir 
one step until you have paid your reckoning of 
two shillings. 


132 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Tinker. Oh, my good man ! I’ve only a few 
pence. I counted on my companion to pay the 
score. 

Innkeeper. You shall leave your working bag 
and hammer, and when you can pay your honest 
debt, you may have them again. 

Tinker. But I can’t earn a farthing without 
my tools. What shall I do ? 

Innkeeper. I can’t tell you, but perhaps you 
had better ask Robin Hood’s advice. 

T inker. That I will. I’ll go after him. 
Which way did the villain go ? I’ll teach him 
a lesson. Which way ? Which way ? 

Innkeeper. He walked down the highway as 
far as the old lodge. Then he took the path 
which leads into the wood. I am sure he is 
expecting you, and I hope I shall see you again. 

( Tinker bounds off in the direction described by 
the innkeeper.) 

$cmt 5 

Time — A little later. 

Place — Sherwood Forest. 

Robin Hood ( looking at the warrant). Now 

I think I’ll guard thee as a keepsake. What a 




ROBIN HOOD AND THE BANBURY TINKER 133 


queer, bragging fellow the tinker is, and yet he is 
a jolly companion. I hope he will seek me in 
the forest, where we may have a friendly bout 
and prove who is the better man. ( Looks back 
and sees some one hurrying toward him.) I do 
believe he is coming now. Hey, there ! Halt, 
knave, and say who you are. Why do you make 
such haste in the king’s forest ? 

Tinker (. shaking his staff). No knave, Master 
Robin Hood. I know you now, and you shall 
not escape me again ! 

Robin Hood. Oho ! I don’t want to escape 
you. Did I not leave word with the host how 
you could find me ? Come, let us have a 
friendly bout and prove who is the better man. 

( 1 Shakes his sword in the air.) 

Tinker. My weapon is ready. I’ll rattle 
your bones for stealing my warrant while I was 
asleep. Come. 

Robin Hood. Nay, I thought you were too sly 
to be caught napping, good tinker. Ready ! 
( They parry , dodge , and thwack each other. In a 
short time Robin Hood's sword is sent flying 
out of his hand.) 

Robin Hood. A boon ! A boon ! friend tinker. 


134 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


You are master of cudgels, and I should not have 
matched you with a sword. 

{Robin quickly blows three blasts on his horn.) 

Tinker. Nay, nay, I’ll never, never grant you 
a boon. No more of your tricks. Come along 
with me and quickly, too. We’ll go to the king 
and you shall carry your own warrant. Ha ! 
Ha! 

{Out of the coppice steps Little John; Tinker steps 
back in surprise , and Robin Hood sits wearily 
down on the root of a tree.) 

Little John {carrying a cudgel). Good mas- 
ter, your blasts told me that you needed 
help quickly. What has happened, and why 
do you sit there so wearily ? 

Robin Hood. Little John, I’ve been playing at 
cudgels with my sword, and yon tinker has 
paid well my hide, because I would not let him 
persuade me to be hanged on the gallows tree. 

Little John {stepping forward). Then shall 
he answer to me. 

Tinker. You cannot frighten me, even if you 
are a giant. Til try cudgels with any one. 

Robin Hood. Nay, nay, Little John. Although 
it would be right good sport to see two so evenly 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE BANBURY TINKER 135 


matched play at cudgels, yet it must not be ; 
for I have provoked the good tinker enough 
already ! He has good mettle in his nature as 
well as in his bag, and I like him heartily. I’m 
afraid I’ve upset his fond hopes by stealing my 
warrant from him ; but, Little John, help me 
think how we can make up to him for such a loss. 

Little John. A stout-hearted tinker would 
make a good yeoman, master. 

Robin Hood. He would, indeed, and I believe 
our good Friar Tuck could find him many odd 
jobs. Friend tinker, do you make much money 
on the road following your trade ? 

Tinker. No, no ; very little. It’s a dog’s life. 

Robin Hood. Then come to the greenwood and 
be one of our company. You shall have a suit 
of Lincoln green and lead with us a merry, care- 
free life. In the day time we hunt the velvet 
deer in the leafy glades of the forest ; in the 
evening we gather round the feast and tell 
merry tales. Come, what say you ? Will you 
join us ? 

Tinker. That I will, and I will serve you 
faithfully. You shall teach me to shoot with the 
longbow and I’ll — 


136 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Robin Hood. Go on, friend. You will teach me 
to use a crab-tree staff. A fair exchange, good 
tinker. Come, Little John, let us show our new 
friend the trysting tree. 

(. Little John and Robin Hood walk off with the 
tinker between them. 

Tinker {sings gayly) : 

I have a warrant from the king 
To take him where t can, oh! 

If you can tell me where he is, 

I will make you a man, oh ! 

I will make you a man, oh ! 



ROBIN HOOD AND MOTHER HOBBES 

CHARACTERS 

Robin Hood David o’ Doncaster 

Little John The Bishop of Hereford 

Will Stutely Mother Hobbes 

Much 

$CEN E 1 

Time — Early morning. 

Place — Interior of a poor little cottage. 

Mother Hobbes ( talking to herself). There never 
was such shoon and hosen ; good enough for 
a queen, I’ll be bound. I wish Maid Marian 
could see how well they fit. ‘Now, good Mother 
Hobbes,’ says she, ‘you must keep your feet 
warm and dry.’ The dear! How I do enjoy 
the little visits she and master Robin pay me. 
Let the greedy old sheriff of Nottingham say 
what he likes about Robin Hood and his band of 
yeomen, they are my best friends. That young 
giant, Little John, brings me heaps of fine logs 
to cheer the dark, cold days. In the warm glow 
of a great log fire I can shut my ears to gaunt 
old winter’s hungry howl. Oh ! I must have 
another look at the fine, soft blankets Master 
Robin brought yesterday. Ah, what beauties 






137 


138 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


they are ! ( Loud knocking at the door.) Why, 

whoever can that be ? Dear me ! 

{Robin Hood bursts into the room.) 

Robin Hood. Mother Hobbes, can you hide me 
quickly ? The Bishop of Hereford and his at- 
tendants are on my track. If they catch me, 
they’ll hang me on the nearest tree. 

Mother Hobbes. Oh, Master Robin, Master 
Robin, that shall never, never be ! Where can 
I hide you in this bit of a place ? Oh, dear ! 
Oh, dear ! My old head is so addled I cannot 
think ! Where will you hide ? Dear Master 
Robin, help me to think. 

Robin Hood. There, there, good mother ! I 
have frightened you. Calm yourself. Wait a 
bit. I have it ! But we must be quick ! I’ll 
hide in your old gray gown and cap ! 

Mother Hobbes {puzzled). You will hide in my 
old gown and cap, sir ? 

Robin Hood. Aye, aye, good mother. We’ll 
exchange clothes. I’ll be old Mother Hobbes 
and you shall be Robin Hood ! Come, what 
say you ? 

Mother Hobbes. Oh ! I see ! I see ! Bless you, 
Master Robin ! What a head you have ! Pop 


ROBIN HOOD AND MOTHER HOBBES 139 


into the other bit of a room, sir, and I’ll hand 
you my gown in a twinkling. And you shall 
have my bonnet too, sir, and my walking stick. 
I’ll don your tunic and cloak ! Let the bishop 
and his men take me and do what they like 
with me. I’m proud to save you. 

Robin Hood. Let them take you, good mother ! 
My men and I will rescue you before they have 
time to harm a hair of your dear old head. 
Never fear ! 

Mother Hobbes. Not I, sir ! Not I ! What 
sport it will be. ( Dances about in glee.) I’ll 
slip into your suit of green and hide where they'll 
be sure to find me — in this bit of a room. And 
you, sir, slip out the back door and take the moss 
path. Good hap attend you ! 



$CEN£ 2 


\ I 

Time — A little later than Scene 1 . 



Place — In the forest of Sherwood. 

s 


Bishop of Hereford. Which way did Robin Hood 
run ? 

Soldier. He slipped into yon coppice, your 
lordship, and disappeared. 



140 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Bishop. He must be caught this time ! The 
rogue ! Hear me ! A reward of three guineas 
to the soldier who brings Robin Hood alive to 
me ! Divide into little groups and continue the 
pursuit on foot. Four of you take the path 
that leads to the highway. Others haste around 
either side of yon coppice. The rest stay here 
with me. In case he slips back, we will surprise 
him. Come, dispatch ! 

{Robin Hood , in Mother Hobbes’s gown and cap , 
comes hobbling along on a stick , muttering.) 

Soldier. Your honor, I believe here comes a 
witch ! 

Bishop. What say you ? A witch ? Question 
her. Perchance she can give us some help by 
telling us where the outlaw is. 

Soldier. Halt a moment ! Have you seen 
a man dressed in Lincoln green ? 

{Robin Hood continues muttering and does not 
look up.) 

Soldier. Halt, I say, and answer me ! 

Robin Hood {with hand to ear). Hey? Speak 
louder, sir. 

Bishop. Come ! I’m the bishop of Hereford. 
My business in the forest is to capture an out- 


ROBIN HOOD AND MOTHER HOBBES 141 

law named Robin Hood. He ran in that direc- 
tion. Have you seen him ? Answer straight 
or I’ll take you for a witch. 

Robin Hood. Oh, your lordship, I’m not a 
witch, I assure you. Have you never heard 
of old Mother Hobbes who lives in a little 
cottage near the edge of the wood ? 

Bishop. No matter ! You have not answered 
my question. Have you seen this person whom 
I am seeking ? 

Robin Hood. Was he dressed in Lincoln green, 
your lordship ? 

Bishop. Aye, aye ! Come, be quick ! 

Robin Hood. And did he wear a hood-like cap 
which can be pulled down over the eyes ? 

Bishop. Exactly ! Come, which way did he 
run ? You can put us on his track, I am sure. 
Quick ! Which way ? 

Robin Hood. I believe I can help your lordship. 
A man in Lincoln green turned off the main path 
yonder and ran toward the highway. Now I 
think of it, he went right in the direction of 
my cottage. I wonder if the rogue would dare 
hide there ! Oh, dear me ! I do wonder if he 
is there ! 


142 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Bishop. Soldiers, away to the cottage ! He 
shall not escape us this time. Take him alive, 
because his majesty, the king, has expressed a 
great desire to see the leader of the greenwood 
band of outlaws. {Aside.) He shall be punished 
at last for playing his pranks on me. I’ll teach 
him what it means to make the bishop of Here- 
ford dine under the trysting tree. {Shakes his 
fist.) I’m the laughing stock of Nottingham 
since some one described my dancing to Allan- 
a-Dale’s music. 


3 

Time — A little later. 

Place — A room in Mother Hobbes’s cottage. 

{The bishop and soldiers burst into the cottage.) 

Bishop. Two of you stay on the outside. The 
others begin the search. There are but few 
places to hide in here ; the bed, that makeshift 
cupboard, and the tiny back room. At last I 
believe we shall be successful in catching Robin 
Hood. 

{Soldiers search the room.) 

Soldier. He is not here ! 

Bishop. Look in the other room. 




ROBIN HOOD AND MOTHER HOBBES 


H3 


Soldier. Some one is holding the door, sir ! 

Bishop. Tis he! Come, pull together there. 
Drag him out ! No escaping this time ! 

{Door is forced open and soldiers discover Mother 
Hobbes disguised as Robin Hood.) 

Bishop. At last ! We have caught you at last, 
Robin Hood ! Not a word ! I command you, 
not a word ! Your days are numbered. 

{Mother Hobbes pushes the soldiers away and 
shakes her fist at them.) 

Soldiers. Shall we tie his hands, your honor ? 

Bishop. Aye, aye. Tie his hands if you like. 
I would give orders to hang him immediately 
if our liege lord the king had not expressed a 
desire to see Robin Hood alive. Tie his hands 
and lead him to the place where we left our 
horses. He shall ride out of the greenwood in 
state. A milk-white steed for the chief of out- 
laws. Ha ! ha ! ha ! A clever catch ! ha ! ha ! 

Soldier. Look how he trembles, your lordship. 

Bishop. And well he may. Haven’t I always 
said that this Robin Hood is a coward ? 

Mother Hobbes. Robin Hood is not 

Bishop. Silence ! I forbid you to open your 
wicked lips. Robin Hood, you are caught at 


i 4 4 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


last ! You shall first go to the king, for his 
majesty has expressed a desire to see you. 
Then you shall pay for all your wickedness. 
Off with him, soldiers. We must walk some dis- 
tance to reach the horses but we can go in peace 
now, for the chief of the greenwood band is in 
our company. This is a big day’s work, lads. 

Mother Hohhes. It is indeed ! 

Bishop . Peace, I say — on to the horses. 

Time — About noon. ' 

Place — Near the edge of the forest. 

Little John , Much , Will Stutely are looking about for Robin 
Hood , who has been gone for several hours. David o’ Doncaster 
comes running up in breathless haste. 

David o' Doncaster. The bishop of Hereford with 
a retinue of soldiers is in the forest. They are 
outlaw hunting. Where is master ? 

Will Stutely. What do you say, lad ? The 
bishop outlaw hunting ? Are you sure ? 

David o' Doncaster. I’ve just come from the vil- 
lage of Nottingham, where I picked up the news. 
They say the old sheriff feels sure the bishop will 
take Master Robin prisoner to-day. 




ROBIN HOOD AND MOTHER HOBBES 145 

Little John. And to think that master went 
away alone ! I begged to go with him. Lads, 
he risks too much. 

Much. Master might have known that the 
bishop would take revenge for the trick we 
played on him a few weeks ago. Oh, how funny 
he did look hopping about to Allan-a-Dale’s tune. 

Will Stutely. Come, lads, there is no time for 
laughing ! We must be ready to help master 
if the bishop captures him. Let us plan how. 

David 0’ Doncaster. Rescue him ? Why, the 
bishop may hang dear master to the nearest 
tree ! Oh, Little John, you are next in com- 
mand, what shall we do ? 

Little John. Listen, lads ! The king has of- 
fered a good round sum in gold for the capture 
of Robin Hood alive. Now if the bishop suc- 
ceeds in catching master to-day, his lordship 
will not spoil a chance of gaining the king’s 
reward by taking hasty revenge. We all know 
how much the bishop loves gold ! He will try 
to get the king’s reward. What do you say, 
Will ? 

Will Stutely. I think you are right, Little John. 
Let us stay near the outskirt of the wood, for 


It’s Master Robin back again ! ” (146) 



ROBIN HOOD AND MOTHER HOBBES 147 

the bishop must pass this way on his road to 
Nottingham. We’ll rescue master if it costs all 
our lives. 

Together. That we will. 

Little John. Let each one see that his bow is 
deftly strung and — What do you see, David ? 

David 0’ Doncaster. A witch ! And she’s actually 
flying over the ground. Is it old witch Moll ? 

Little John. Bad luck to her, if she brings ill 
news of master. I’ll not believe a word she says. 

Will Stutely. Why not, Little John ? She may 
know something that will help us. 

Little John. Not she ! 

Much. Friar Tuck says she has thrown a spell 
over his cooking because he offended her. 
Three times lately he has dropped a haunch of 
roasted venison while carrying it from the fire 
to the table. And yesterday the collops burned 
black after they were taken from the fire ! 

David o' Doncaster. She’s coming this way. Look, 
lads, she is waving at us ! 

Little John. Did any one ever see a witch 
skip over the ground like that ? 

Much. I never did believe she is ninety-nine 
years old. 


ROBIN HOOD 9 


148 PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 

David o’ Doncaster. Little John, lads, look, look ! 
The witch is master ! It’s Master Robin back 
again ! 

Robin Hood (< dressed in old Mother Hobbes’s 
clothes). Yes! Back again, safe and sound! 
Shame on you, David ! How could you take me 
for a witch ? Will, my keen-eyed scout, I 
thought I could never hide from you, no matter 
what disguise I took. Ah, lads, laugh, if ye 
like, but I have a tale to tell. 

Will Stutely. In another moment I should 
have known you, master ! Pray tell us what 
means this old woman’s gown ? 

David o’ Doncaster. And where have you left 
your suit of Lincoln green, your long cloak, and 
your beautiful longbow ? 

Robin Hood. There is not much time to relate 
my adventure, lads. The bishop of Hereford 
and his soldiers almost caught me ! I ran into 
them quite unexpectedly, and my only hope of 
escaping was a complete disguise.' I fled to the 
little cottage near the edge of the wood. You 
can guess now what happened ! In a few mo- 
ments I explained my difficulty to good old 
Mother Hobbes, changed clothes with her, and 


ROBIN HOOD AND MOTHER HOBBES 149 

made my way through the forest. Of course, I 
met the bishop and his soldiers. They, too, 
thought I was a witch ! I was stopped and 
questioned about Robin Hood, and I directed 
them where to find him. On they hurried to 
the cottage. 

Little John. They will arrest old Mother Hobbes 
for Robin Hood, master ! I understand. 

Robin Hood. Yes, and I know the good old 
woman will play her part well. She would die 
to save me, if necessary. The bishop and 
soldiers will arrest her and pass this way on the 
road to Nottingham jail, where they hope to 
keep their prisoner until they send word of the 
arrest to his majesty, the king. 

Will Stutely. We will save good Mother 
Hobbes, master. 

Robin Hood. Yes, I see you have guessed my 
plan, Will. Come, lads, hide carefully among 
the trees and await my signal. 

David o' Doncaster. Oh, master, how funny you 
look in that old gray gown ! And is dear Mother 
Hobbes dressed in your suit of Lincoln green ? 
What sport it is ! 

Robin Hood. She is, chatterer ! Quickly into 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


150 

the coppice ! I hear voices ! No time to spare ! 
Silence, all. The bishop of Hereford has cap- 
tured Robin Hood ! Lend me your horn, Little 
John. When I give the signal, step forth with 
bows bent and shafts on string. 


Time — A few minutes later. 

Place — Same as Scene 4. 

Bishop of Hereford { hears three bugle blasts). 
Hark ! What was that ? 

Soldier. It sounded like three bugle blasts, sir. 
Bishop {in a frightened voice). There can be 
no danger from outlaws, surely. The most 
daring of the band is with us. How proud I 
am of this day’s work ! 

{Robin Hood in Mother Hobbes’s gown steps for- 
ward with bow and arrow in hand. The other 
outlaw archers arrange themselves in a group 
back of their leader.) 

Bishop. What does this mean ? Archers ? 
And who is the leader ? Surely not the old 
hag we met in the woods ! Is it a witch’s 
company ? 




ROBIN HOOD AND MOTHER HOBBES 151 

Soldiers. Let us all run, your lordship ! Come ! 
Away ! 

( The attendants depart with as much speed as 
possible. The bishop and his captive stand. 
Soldiers leave quickly.) 

Bishop (to his captive). Who is this leader? 
Do you know ? 

Mother Hobbes. I think the leader is Robin 
Hood, your lordship. 

Bishop. Robin Hood ! If that be the case, 
who are you ? 

Mother Hobbes. By my faith, I’ve been wanting 
to tell you Fm only a poor old woman ! How 
could you take an old broken creature like me 
for the gallant chieftain of Sherwood ? But not 
a word would you let me speak ! Fm Mother 
Hobbes ! 

Bishop (turns to go) . Oh ! woe is me, that ever 
I saw this day ! 

Robin Hood. Halt, your lordship ! You have 
given me a merry chase, and we must have an 
understanding before you leave the greenwood. 
Good mother, you are tired, I know. Thank 
you with all my heart, for the good turn you 
have done me to-day ! Go with David to Maid 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Marian. She will attend you, and provide 
comfort for you. {Mother Hohbes leaves with 
David.) And now, lads, what shall be the 
bishop’s ransom ? 

Bishop. Oh, Robin Hood, I prithee pardon 
me. Have pity on me. 

Robin Hood. What say you, Little John ? 

Little John. The bishop should give us a good 
sum to be used for charity. 

Bishop. Here is my purse. Take it and let 
me depart in peace. 

Robin Hood. First of all, my lord bishop, you 
must promise me that you will not punish the 
good woman who saved my life to-day ! 

Bishop. I promise you, Robin Hood. 

{Moves on a few paces.) 

Robin Hood. Not yet ! Also you must give 
me your word that you will not attempt to 
capture any of my company. 

Bishop. Robin Hood, I promise you I will 
never come into these greenwood glades again. 

Robin Hood. What say you, lads ? May the 
bishop of Hereford depart ? 

Little John. No, master, there is one more 
promise he must make. 


ROBIN HOOD AND MOTHER HOBBES 153 

Bishop. Only let me hear it. 

Little John. He must say these words, “ I 
solemnly promise that I never again will seek 
to do Robin Hood harm.” 

Bishop. I solemnly promise that I never again 
will seek to do Robin Hood harm. 

Robin Hood. The Bishop of Hereford may de- 
part in peace. Come, lads, to the trysting tree ! 
I’m sure Maid Marian will be glad to see us. 



*u 



THE NOTTINGHAM. SHOOTING 
MATCH 


CHARACTERS 


Bishop of Hereford 

Sheriff of Nottingham 

Sheriff’s Wife 

Page 

Herald 

Friar Tuck 

David o’ Doncaster 


Robin Hood 

Maid Marian 

Allan-a-Dale 

Alice-a-Dale 

Little John 

Much 

Archers 




$CEN£ I 

Place — Room in Sheriff's house . 
Time — Morning. 



Sheriff's Wife. There’s not a keener man in all 
Nottinghamshire than the sheriff. I’m sure his 
scheme to catch Robin Hood will be successful 
this time, for the greenwood leader will not dare 
to turn his back on a warrant bearing the king’s 
seal. Oh ! What a day of rejoicing we shall 
have when Sherwood forest is cleared of that 
mischievous band. 


Enter Sheriff 

Sheriff. Ah ! Here you are ! A messenger 
has just brought word, my dear, that the 


154 


THE NOTTINGHAM SHOOTING MATCH 155 

bishop of Hereford is coming. His honor will 
be here at ten o’clock. 

Sheriff 9 s Wife {smoothing her dress and patting 
her hair). I suppose he will stay to dinner. 
Dear me ! I do hope he isn’t coming to com- 
plain again. Has anything gone wrong ? 

Sheriff. I do not know, but I am very much 
afraid he is coming to complain again about that 
band of outlaws in Sherwood. 

Sheriff's Wife {laughing). Do you think the 
rogues have made him dance again ? or say 
mass under the greenwood tree ? 

Sheriff. My dear, I am surprised to hear you 
take a serious matter so lightly. The trouble those 
rogues give me is, indeed, no laughing matter. 

Sheriffs Wife. I beg your pardon. But I 
cannot help smiling when I think how many 
times the bishop has been a victim in the hands 
of Robin Hood and his men. Why doesn’t 
the bishop stay out of Sherwood forest ? 

Sheriff. That is a question I won’t pretend 
to answer. The bishop is continually getting 
in the way of those greenwood men. Why, 
I’d rather any day ride fifty miles around than 
risk meeting those rogues by cutting through 


156 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


the forest. I’ve done my best to capture that 
tormenting band of men, and my last hope 
is that the warrant which I have sent, bearing 
the king’s seal, will bring Robin Hood to Not- 
tingham. 

Sheriff's Wife. Who was brave enough to carry 
the king’s warrant to Robin Hood ? 

Sheriff. A tinker who declared he feared noth- 
ing. Surely that forest leader will not dare 
refuse to obey his majesty’s warrant. What 
do you think ? 

Sheriff's Wife. I’m sure I can’t say. Outlaws 
pay very little respect to authority. We must 
wait and see. 

Sheriff. My messenger says this tinker is the 
pluckiest man in England. When he took the 
warrant, he said he would cudgel Robin Hood if 
he dared refuse to come to Nottingham. The 
tinker, you see, is a master of cudgels. 

Sheriff's Wife ( nods doubtfully ) . Oh, indeed ! 

Enter Page 

Page. His honor, the bishop of Hereford. 

Sheriff. Show his lordship into this room. 
{Enter bishop.) Good day, your lordship. 


THE NOTTINGHAM SHOOTING MATCH 


157 


Sheriff's Wife (1 curtsying ). Good day, sir. 

Bishop. Good day, my friends. ( Bishop sighs 
and takes a chair.) I have very alarming news, 
my friends. 

Sheriff. Alarming news ? 

Sheriff 9 s Wife. What is it, sir. Do tell us. 

Bishop. The Banbury tinker has joined Robin 
Hood’s band ! 

Sheriff. What ! The tinker who took the 
warrant bearing the king’s seal ? 

Bishop {nods). The same. 

Sheriff's Wife. Oh, the rascal ! I never did 
put much faith in tinkers. They’re a bad lot. 
The last one who mended my pans cheated me 
shamefully. A bad, wicked lot they are. We 
must catch this one and punish him. 

Sheriff. I’m at my wit’s end. Every plan I 
make to capture that band fails. Has your 
worship any advice to offer ? 

Bishop. I think, sir sheriff, we must ask the 
king’s aid in this most serious matter. 

Sheriff. I have thought of that, but I’m 
ashamed to admit I cannot manage to capture 
these wolves’-heads in Sherwood. If I could 
clap that leader and Little John into Notting- 


158 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


ham jail, Fm sure I could deal with the rest of 
the company. 

Bishop. I should like to hang that saucy 
Friar Tuck on the gallows tree. ( Looks about.) 
Are you sure no one can hear what we say ? 

Sheriff. Quite sure. Why, sir ? 

Bishop. Somehow the country folk know 
about all our plans. Fve sometimes thought 
the servants are friends with these outlaws. 

Sheriff's Wife. Oh — that is quite impossible ! 

Bishop ( looks timidly about). One of your 
servants spread the news of my dancing in the 
forest. I told the story to no one except your- 
selves. 

Sheri fs Wife. We have guarded the secret 
very carefully. 

Bishop. They say Robin Hood and Little 
John give money and clothes to many of the poor 
in this neighborhood. 

Sheriff. I know Robin Hood has a trick of 
tossing a shilling over the shoulder of a workman. 
It is very annoying. I firmly believe many 
of the villagers and country folk would risk their 
lives for Robin Hood or any member of his 
company. 


THE NOTTINGHAM SHOOTING MATCH 159 

Sheriff's Wife. Gentlemen, I have a plan ! 
These outlaws claim to be the best archers in 
the whole country ! 

Bishop. Alas ! their claim is a true one. 

Sheriffs Wife. Let it be proclaimed that a 
great shooting match will be held in Nottingham 
town on May Day. Offer a fine prize to the best 
archer. Robin Hood and his men will attend. 

Bishop. A very shrewd idea, madam. What 
do you think, sir sheriff ? 

Sheriff. My wife is the cleverest woman in 
Nottinghamshire. Let us consider her plan. 
Til send out messengers, in all directions, to 
proclaim the greatest shooting match that was 
ever held. The prize shall be an arrow of rare 
worth and beauty. 

Bishop. And let the winner be named the 
greatest archer of England. 

Sheriffs Wife. Good ! A double bait ! Those 
rogues in Sherwood will never let a stranger win 
two such prizes. 

Sheriff. V 11 offer a silver arrow with a head 
and feathers of rich red gold. 

Bishop. My friends, I congratulate you. Let 
the messengers start their work to-morrow. I 


i6o 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


believe we have at last found a way to capture 
them. Have plenty of men ready to seize these 
villains. They’ll come, you may be sure. 
They’ll keep together in little groups, I suppose. 
Sir sheriff, we both know Robin Hood. Now, 
I’ll attend the shooting match and bring a 
retinue of soldiers. You, also, must provide 
plenty of men. 

Sheriff. To-morrow I’ll give orders to the 
messengers. I’ll see to it that Robin Hood and 
his men learn about the honor and the prize to 
be given to the master archer. To-morrow ! 


2 

Place — In Sherwood forest. 

Time — Afternoon. 

Robin Hood and his merry men are lying on the grass. 
Some are running and leaping , others are practicing archery. 

Little John. Master, did you pick up a bit of 
news at the inn to-day ? 

Robin Hood {smiling). Aye, Little John. 

Little John. Come, tell it to us. 

Friar Tuck. Little John, you are growing as 
curious as an old witch. Master Robin, tell 
us your news. 




THE NOTTINGHAM SHOOTING MATCH 161 


Maid Marian . I am surprised to know there 
is news in the village which David did not hear. 

Robin Hood. So am I, David, lad. 

Maid Marian. Here we are all waiting to know 
the news, Robin. 

Robin Hood. The sheriff’s messengers have pro- 
claimed that a great shooting match will be 
held in Nottingham on May Day. They say 
the cleverest archers in all England will come to 
take part in this great contest. 

Much. Is there to be a prize, master ? 

Robin Hood. There is, indeed. A wonderful 
arrow with a silver shaft is to be given to the 
best bowman ; also he is to be proclaimed the 
greatest archer in all England. 

Much. People of England all know that the 
greatest archer in the whole world lives in Sher- 
wood forest. 

Little John. It will no doubt be a great contest, 
master. I wonder if Harold o’ Lincoln will be 
there. People say he has wonderful skill with 
the longbow. 

Friar Tuck. We all know he can’t touch master. 

Robin Hood. Lads, what say you to this ? 
Let several of us attend the sheriff’s shooting 


162 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


match. There will be plenty of merriment, 
I’m sure. When the expert archers make trial, 
we will contest their skill, carry off the prize, 
and bring it back to Maid Marian. 

Maid Marian (. shakes her head). I’m afraid 
that would be very dangerous sport, Robin. 
Why does David o’ Doncaster look so serious ? 

David o'Doncaster. Maid Marian and good master, 
I know all the plans for this May Day’s shooting 
match. It is nothing but a trick to entrap our 
greenwood band. A friend of mine overheard 
the sheriff giving orders to his soldiers. He 
told them to be ready to seize Robin Hood and 
his band. Oh, prithee, good master, abide in 
the greenwood. 

Maid Marian. David is right, Robin. If this 
is a trick to entrap the band, I entreat you not 
to go. 

Robin Hood. Maid Marian and David, my lad, 
there is no danger. I suspected the sheriff’s 
trick, but it must not be said that the sheriff can 
frighten Robin Hood. I’m sure I can defend 
myself. However, let any who are afraid to go, 
stay here in the forest. 

Much. I will go, master. 



The Sheriff and his Dame 


(163) 










164 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Friar Tuck. And I, too. 

Little John. I have a plan, Maid Marian, 
which will protect us. It will be fine sport. 

Robin Hood. Out with it then, Little John. 

Little John. Let us put off our suits of Lincoln 
green and disguise ourselves as beggars, tinkers, 
palmers, peasants, peddlers, and minstrels. We 
will don the brightest colors : one, red ; another, 
yellow ; another, blue. In our disguise we will 
help keep up the merriment of the occasion. 

Robin Hood. A capital plan, Little John. 
David, my lad, why do you look so serious ? 
See, Maid Marian is smiling again. 

David o' Doncaster. Master, I’m not afraid to go. 

Robin Hood. Of course not. You are one of 
my bravest men, and one of my shrewdest, too. 

Maid Marian. Master Robin knows full well 
that you are never afraid for yourself, David. 
Your fears are always to protect some one 
else. 

Friar Tuck. To the shooting match on May 
Day. 

Much. Master, we’ll have a new target in the 
greenwood soon. 

Robin Hood. What do you mean ? 


THE NOTTINGHAM SHOOTING MATCH 165 


Much . The sheriff’s golden arrow, of course. 
Hurrah ! 

All. Three cheers for the shooting match at 
Nottingham. Three cheers for Robin Hood, 
the master archer of England. 

jScENu j 

Scene of merrymaking villagers and country folk. Old- 
fashioned country dances in progress. Gleemen reciting 
stories , Scotchmen playing on bagpipes , minstrels playing 
on harps. Booths arranged in several places where spice- 
bread , wastel cakes , and simnel cakes are sold; also stands 
where bows and arrows are displayed. A foreign-looking 
man is selling amulets. 

Minstrel (sings) : 

Who shall be the Queen of May ? 

Not the prettiest one, not the wittiest one, 

Nor she with the gown most gay, 

But she who is pleasantest all the day through 
With the pleasantest things to say and do — 

She shall be the Queen of May. 

The word is given , “ The sheriff and his dame.” All look 
and see the sheriff of Nottingham and his wife, richly dressed, 
approaching. They take special seats bedecked with flowers 
arranged for them near the bishop of Hereford. Much 
cheering. The sheriff stands , looks carefully over the crowd. 
All become quiet. 



ROBIN HOOD — -IO 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


1 66 

Minstrel (sings) : 

Haymakers, rakers, reapers, and mowers 
Wait on you, Summer-queen ! 

Dress up with musk-rose her eglantine bowers, 
Daffodils strew the green ! 

Sing, dance, and play 
’Tis holiday ! 1 

Sheriff. The herald will now proclaim the 
rules of the greatest archery contest that has 
ever been held in Nottinghamshire. 

Herald. Sir sheriff, from the trial of one 
hundred clever archers who took part in the 
general contest, we have chosen the six who 
showed the greatest skill. Their names are as 
follows : Thomas o’ Yorkshire, Adam o’ the 
Glen, Harold o’ Lincoln, Eric o’ Longcroft, 
Geoffrey o’ Clifton and a Yeoman from Middle- 
sex. Each of these archers will now shoot 
two shafts, and the three that show the most 
skill shall have another trial. In the last con- 
test each archer shall shoot three shafts. To the 
one who shoots the best the sheriff’s dame will 
present a prize of a beautiful arrow with a silver 
shaft and red-gold feathers. Also, the sheriff 
himself will proclaim the winner of the prize 

1 01 d rustic song by Thomas Dekker (1570-1641). 


THE NOTTINGHAM SHOOTING MATCH 167 

the greatest archer in all England. Archers 
make ready, and at the sound of the trumpet 
begin the great trial of skill. 

(. Archers examine their bows and arrows. The 
spectators wait eagerly. Sheriff again peers 
over the crowd.) 

Sheriff {to Bishop of Hereford). Has your 
worship seen any of those Sherwood knaves ? 

Bishop. Alas, no ! But I shall not give up 
yet. I didn’t see the general contest. 

Sheriff. I am beginning to believe that Robin 
Hood is too much of a coward to come. 

{Red Jacket , whose contest name is Yeoman from 
Middlesex , overhears the remark , stops attend- 
ing to his arrow , and glares at the sheriff. 
He then goes on examining his shaft.) 

Bishop. Perhaps we had better not speak too 
loud. Are the guardsmen ready to seize the 
outlaw leader and his comrades should they 
appear ? 

Sheriff. Oh, yes ! I have soldiers stationed in 
many places. Several of them know Robin 
Hood by sight, so there will be no chance of his 
escaping. 

Sheriff's Wife. I hope he will come. I know 


i68 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


he cannot match these skilled archers, and I 
should like to see his pride humbled. 

Bishop . He is probably afraid to show his 
face, madam. ( Trumpet sounds.) 

Herald. Archers ready. Adam o’ the Glen. 
{Adam shoots two shafts , one goes into the black 
ring of the target , one into the white. Loud 
cheering.) 

Sheriff. Let any stranger beat that. He is 
one of my best foresters. 

Herald. Geoffrey o’ Clifton (David o’ Don- 
caster). 

{Geoffrey shoots one shaft into the black and one 
into the white , a little nearer the center than 
Adam o' the Glen.) 

Crowd {cheering very loudly). Brave fellow ! 

Herald. Eric o’ Longcroft. 

{Eric o Longcroft {Little John) shoots the first 
shaft into the white and the second one into 
the outer ring.) 

Crowd. Hey for Eric ! Hurrah for blue 
jacket ! 

Herald. Thomas o’ Yorkshire. 

{Sends one shaft into the black — one into the 
white — cheering.) 


THE NOTTINGHAM SHOOTING MATCH 169 

Herald. Harold o’ Lincoln. 

(■ Shoots two shafts into the white , both near the 
black line.) 

Herald. Yeoman from Middlesex. 

( Yeoman quickly shoots two shafts into the white , 
one strikes the very center. Astonished 
people cheer and call out , Brave Red ! Red 
Jacket ! Champion !) 

Herald (receives the report from the men who 
examine the target). The best records are — 
1st. Yeoman from Middlesex. 

2d. Geoffrey o’ Clifton. 

3d. Adam o’ the Glen. 

Sheriff. Adam, thou must strike the center of 
the clout each time in the next trial. 

Adam. I’ll do my best, sir. 

Sheriff. ’Tis the most skilled archery I’ve 
ever seen. And to think that those Sherwood 
knaves did not come ! 

Bishop. Robin Hood can never claim to be 
the best archer in England after this day’s 
contest. He’ll hear about it. 

(Trumpet sounds.) 
Herald. Archers, make ready for the last trial. 
Adam o’ the Glen. 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


170 

( 1 Shoots two shafts into the white , and one into 
the black circle . 

Crowd {cheers). A champion ! A champion ! 
Herald. Geoffrey o’ Clifton. 

{Shoots twice in the white , very near the center 
each time , once on the line.) 

Crowd. Ho, Clifton ! Brave fellow ! Brave 
fellow ! 

Herald. Yeoman from Middlesex. 

{Shoots three times very quickly — three shafts 
strike the white , one of them the center of the 
clout. — Wild cheering.) 

Herald {to sheriff). The Yeoman from Mid- 
dlesex has done the best shooting to-day. 

Sheriff {to wife). This is a great disap- 
pointment to me. Adam o’ the Glen is my best 
forester, and he ought to have beaten that knave 
in red. 

Sheriff's Wife. I am very sorry not to see 
that coward Robin Hood here. Yeoman from 
Middlesex, I present thee with an arrow of 
silver and gold in honor of thy shooting 
to-day. 

{Robin Hood bows and accepts the prize.) 
Sheriff. And I, the sheriff of Nottingham, 


THE NOTTINGHAM SHOOTING MATCH 171 

proclaim thee, Yeoman of Middlesex, the great- 
est archer in merry England ! 

( Loud cheering and shouting from the people.) 

Sheriff ( steps aside to speak to the Yeoman 
from Middlesex). What is your name, good 
yeoman ? 

Yeoman. Men call me Rob the Woodsman, 
your honor. 

Sheriff. You are a wonderful archer. I be- 
lieve you could teach a good lesson to a boastful 
churl named Robin Hood, who lives in Sherwood 
and claims to be a master of the bow. I regret 
the coward did not come to the match to-day. 
He would have envied you your skill. I have 
a plan to propose. We need a few more royal 
foresters in Nottinghamshire. Will you join 
my service ? I’ll pay you well and you shall 
wear the royal forester’s suit. 

Yeoman. I can make no promise to-day, sir 
sheriff, but I’ll think the matter over and in a 
short time, perhaps you will hear from me. 

Sheriff. Consider it well ! An offer like mine 
does not come every day ! 

Sheriff {aside). I like not this fellow’s 
proud manner. He’ll “ think the matter over.” 


172 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


An offer from the sheriff of Nottingham ! I shall 
hear from him, no doubt. 




$CEN£ ^ 


Time — Late afternoon. 

Place — Under the try sting tree. 




Maid Marian and Alice-a-Dale welcome the merry men 
as they arrive in little groups. A group of merry men 
sing as they approach the try sting tree : — 

When the green woods laugh with the voice of joy, 
And the dimpling stream runs laughing by ; 

When the air does laugh with our merry wit, 

And the green hill laughs with the noise of it; 

When the meadows laugh with lively green, 

And the grasshopper laughs in the merry scene; 

Come live, and be merry, and join with me, 

To sing the sweet chorus of “ Ha, ha, he ! ” 1 

Maid Marian. Welcome to the greenwood 
again, Tuck and Little Much. No doubt you 
have had a happy day. 

Friar Tuck. A very happy day, Maid Marian. 
We have some merry tales to tell. ( Enter 
Robin Hood , David o' Doncaster , Little John , 
Allan- a-Dale.) 


From “Songs of Innocence,” by William Blake (1757-1827). 



THE NOTTINGHAM SHOOTING MATCH 173 

Alice-a-Dale . Here come the others. Welcome 
back ! Oh, Allan-a-Dale. How very queer you 
do look in your tinker’s suit. 

Allan-a-Dale. I must doff it or Friar Tuck 
will set me to work mending his pots and pans. 

Maid Marian. Welcome, all ! Robin, that 
patched suit of red makes you look like a 
stranger. 

Robin Hood. Maid Marian, I present you with 
the prize arrow. 

Maid Marian. Thank you, Robin. I knew 
you would bring back the prize. See, see, Alice- 
a-Dale ! What a beauty it is ; the shaft is of 
white silver and the feathers and head are of 
rich, red gold. Little Much, this is too beautiful 
to use. 

Much. It is indeed, Maid Marian. We are 
very proud of master. 

Maid Marian. We who remained in the forest 
are anxious to hear about the day’s sport. 

Alice-a-Dale. We are, indeed. How was the 
contest managed, David ? 

David o' Doncaster. There was a general contest 
first. The six best bowmen of the first trial 
shot in a second match. 


174 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Maid Marian. How many greenwood men were 
in the second contest ? 

Little John. Three, Maid Marian, and two in 
the last trial. David o’ Doncaster shot better 
than Little John. 

Robin Hood. The lads both did well, Maid 
Marian. 

Little John. I was ashamed of my record. 

Robin Hood. The light breeze was very deceiv- 
ing, Little John. 

Little John. Master and David carried off the 
honors, Maid Marian. Tuck spent most of his 
time near the waferer’s booth. 

Friar Tuck (. smacking his lips). That I did. 
The spice-bread, simnel, and wastel cakes were 
excellent. I bought a good supply and heard a 
capital story while I ate them. 

Robin Hood (laughing) . Ah ! Now I see 
why you were not present at the general contest. 
Tuck, neither you nor Allan-a-Dale were to be 
seen when the herald’s trumpet sounded. 

Friar Tuck. The cook always enjoys a bit of 
food made away from home, master. 

Allan-a-Dale. I heard an old minstrel sing a 
beautiful song while he played on the harp. 


THE NOTTINGHAM SHOOTING MATCH 175 

Also I enjoyed the bagpipers. What queer, 
jolly tunes they play. 

Friar Tuck. Jolly, do you say ? Their screech- 
ing made me clap my hands over my ears and 
run away. And, Maid Marian, I hadn’t gone 
far when I saw a tall peasant, dressed in blue, 
buying an amulet. 

Maid Marian. Oh, Little John ! Tell us what 
the man who sold it to you said. And where is it ? 

Little John. I threw it away, Maid Marian. 
The rascal said he brought it from the East and 
that it would bring wonderful luck to archers. 

{All the company laugh.) 

Allan-a-Dale. That is why you missed the clout, 
Little John. You were thinking about the 
amulet. 

Rohin Hoed. Greenwood practice is the best 
amulet, Little John. 

Alice-a-Dale. What names did our lads give, 
Much ? 

Much. A Yeoman from Middlesex — master; 
Geoffrey o’ Clifton — David ; Eric o’ Longcroft 
— Little John. 

Alice-a-Dale. And what did the sheriff say 
when the prize was presented ? 


\j6 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Much. The sheriff’s dame presented the arrow 
to master, and the sheriff proclaimed the Yeoman 
from Middlesex to be the greatest archer in 
England. 

Robin Hood. I heard the sheriff say that Robin 
Hood was too much of a coward to come to the 
match. 

Maid Marian. That was hard for you to bear. 

Robin Hood. I confess it took away all my 
pleasure in winning the prize. 

Maid Marian. How I wish the sheriff of Not- 
tingham knew the truth about the matter. 

(. All remain silent for a short time.) 

Little John. Master, I have a plan. 

Robin Hood. Let us hear it, Little John. Your 
wit is always both quick and sound. 

Little John. Write a letter to the sheriff, mas- 
ter, and tell him who won the prize. Til de- 
liver it for you. 

Robin Hood. Nay, nay, my good yeoman. I 
cannot let you take so much risk for me. 

Little John {laughing). Master, I’ll fasten 
the little scroll on the end of a blunt arrow and 
shoot it over the wall into the town. Rest 
assured one of the guards will find it. 


THE NOTTINGHAM SHOOTING MATCH 177 


Yeomen. A capital plan ! Three cheers for 
Little John. 

Little John. The sheriff shall know to-morrow 
morning that Robin Hood is not a coward ! 

Yeomen. Ho, for the leader of the greenwood ! 

Robin Hood. And his chief man, Little John. 

Time — Noon , the next day. 

Place — In the sheriff’s hall. 

Sheriff's Wife. It is too bad, I must say. 
How I wish Robin Hood had seen the wonderful 
skill of Red Jacket. What is his name, my dear ? 

Sheriff. He is a yeoman from Middlesex. I 
have forgotten his name. His work was indeed 
wonderful. 

Bishop. How surprisingly quick he was in 
taking aim. I never saw such skill. The shoot- 
ing seemed mere play to him. 

Sheriff's Wife. And in spite of his shabby 
clothes, he was very courteous. 

Sheriff. I should like to number him among 
my foresters. Indeed, I asked him to come and 
join my service. I expect to hear from him 
later. 




i7« 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Bishop . A very good idea of yours, sir sheriff. 
It is well to gather together as many skillful 
foresters as possible. 

Sheriff's Wife. He is without doubt the best 
archer I have ever seen. 


Enter Page. 

Page. Sir sheriff, one of the guards picked up 
this arrow. It was shot over the wall, sir. 

Sheriff. An arrow with a blunt tip. What 
does this mean ? 

Sheriff's Wife. See, there is a tiny scroll tied 
to it. 

0 Sheriff unties the scroll and reads it.) 

Sheriff's Wife. What news makes you turn so 
pale ? What has happened ? Tell us, do ! 

Bishop. Sir sheriff, I beg you speak ! Read 
the scroll, sir. 

Sheriff {reads). Robin Hood of Sherwood 
forest sends hearty thanks for the beautiful arrow 
which was presented to him to-day by the sheriff's 
dame. Also , for the honor of being proclaimed by 
the sheriff the greatest archer in all England. 




IfcjD Jacket. 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFOR- 
TUNATE KNIGHT WTf 

^ Wzft 



Robin Hood 
Maid Marian 
Much 

Will Stutely 
Little John 


CHARACTERS (whole cast) 

Allan-a-Dale Sir Richard of Lee 
Alice-a-Dale The Abbot of St. Mary’s 

Friar Tuck The High Cellarer 

Will Scarlet Prior 
The Justice David o’ Doncaster 


Hr : 

| JCENE I 1 

pLaCSyl? I 

I/ kj 

Time — Early morning. 


NJJ 

Place — In the greenwood. 

Robin Hood {singing) . 



Heigh-ho for the greenwood tree 

s 

1 

And a joyous life so free ! 

In glad May-time when blossoms spring, 
And birds their happy carols sing, 

When hunters’ horns in woodlands ring, 

rj 

Co. 

Heigh-ho for the greenwood tree, 

And a joyous life so free ! 



Robin Hood (: meeting Will Stutely and Much), 
Heigh-ho ! my merry men ! What ! No com- 
pany to-day ? Have you brought no guest to 
dine with us to-day in the greenwood ? 

Will Stutely and Much. No, master. 

Robin Hood. Fie, for shame ! Well you know, 


179 




i8o 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Much, that our good Friar Tuck promised us 
roasted fowl and a venison pasty. Where have 
you been and what news have you picked up ? 

Much. Master, we have been strolling near 
the highway. Will Stutely went to the edge of 
the wood, where he had a fine view of the high- 
road as it bends over the hilltop near the village. 
I went as far as the old lodge, but no guest, worthy 
of an invitation to the feast, did we see. My 
lord and lady of Northfield rode by, unattended. 
His lordship knows that we never stop a woman 
nor any man in company with a woman. 

Robin Hood. You are ever careful, my lad, and 
you keep well in mind the laws of the greenwood. 
Come, Will, my sly fox, did no rich abbot with 
bolts of silk and velvet and heavy moneybags 
come within your keen scent ? 

Will Stutely. No, master. I saw a good old 
parish priest on the highroad with two laymen 
for company. Their mules were heavily laden 
with stores. The kind old father’s charity is 
well known throughout this countryside. May 
all blessings attend him ! ( Enter Little John.) 

Robin Hood. Alone, Little John ? Did I not 
declare to you that I would not break my fast 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFORTUNATE KNIGHT 181 

to-day unless a worthy guest shared the feast ? 
Why, a minstrel or a juggler would be better than 
no one. They are not profitable guests, but they 
give jolly entertainment. 

Little John. Master, a sorrowful-looking knight 
has begun a journey through the forest. I saw 
him turn off the highroad a few moments ago. 
Look ! Here he comes. 

Robin Hood. Into the coppice, lads ! I’ll give 
the invitation myself this time. ( Steps in front 
of the knight's horse , kneels , and takes the bridle.) 
Sir knight, welcome to the greenwood. 

Knight. Who are you ? And by what right 
do you stop a peaceful knight in the king’s 
forest. What is your purpose ? 

Robin Hood. Your pardon, sir knight. A cer- 
tain band of merry men call me Robin Hood. 
My purpose in stopping you ? I would fain 
welcome to-day a knightly guest at a feast in 
the heart of the greenwood. When we grow too 
dull, my merry men and I take great pains to 
find a deserving guest who will grace our com- 
pany. It has been almost a fortnight since we 
had such pleasure. Will you come ? You may 
reckon with us later. 



The Unfortunate Knight 







ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFORTUNATE KNIGHT 183 

Knight. With all my heart ! I had intended 
to dine to-day at Blyth or Doncaster, but it 
matters little. I fear you will find me a dis- 
appointing guest, Robin Hood, for I frankly 
tell you that I have but little money to pay for 
a feast. Truly, ten shillings is the sum of my 
store. However, lead the way, and Til follow. 

Robin Hood. You are most welcome, sir knight. 
After you have shared the feast, I pray you be 
not offended if my merry men insist on examin- 
ing your purse. Since our ways in the green- 
wood are somewhat rough, you may think we 
are lacking in true courtesy, but judge us not too 
hastily. 

Knight. I declare to you, Robin Hood, that 
no act of your merry comrades could make my 
heart heavier than it is, alas ! 

Robin Hood. The unfortunate knight always 
finds friends in the greenwood. Are you will- 
ing, sir, to tell your story ? Not now. First, 
we will attend the feast and make merry. After 
you have shared our good cheer and are refreshed, 
perhaps you will tell us your name and your 
misfortune. Thrice welcome to our chief guest 
to-day. 


ROBIN HOOD I 


184 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


\;$&0 

Scene 2 

raw 


Time — Early afternoon. 


LfLar 1 

Place — Under the try sting tree. 


Knight. 

Gramercy, Robin Hood. 

Such a 


dinner I have not eaten this three weeks. Would 
that I had it in my power to invite this glad 
company to dine with me. But alas ! alas ! 

Robin Hood. It has given us much pleasure to 
entertain you, sir knight. And now, if you will, 
show us the contents of your purse. 

Knight ( holds out his purse). You are 
welcome to all that I have. It is, indeed, but 
little. 

Robin Hood. Go thou, Little John, and see ! 

Little John ( counts the knight's money). 
Alas, master, he speaks truly ; here are only ten 
shillings ! 

Robin Hood. Not one farthing, then, shall you 
pay us, and furthermore, if you are in need, we 
will help you. Sir knight, will you tell us your 
name and the story of your misfortune ? Let us 
hear how you came to this low estate. 

Knight. Gladly will I tell my story. Kind 
friend, I am Sir Richard of Lee. For a hun- 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFORTUNATE KNIGHT 185 

dred winters my ancestors were knights of high 
degree and won their spurs with honor. But, 
Robin Hood, you know well that misfortune 
and disgrace may overtake the innocent in 
this world. 

Robin Hood (. shakes his head sadly). I do, 
indeed, sir knight. 

Knight. But a short time ago I was a rich man, 
with money and power at my command ; now, 
alas ! God has so ordered it that I have noth- 
ing left but my dear wife and children. 

Robin Hood. And prithee, good sir, tell us 
what brought about this change in your affairs. 

Knight. When my gallant son reached the age 
of twenty years, he longed to attend the jousts 
and win knightly honors. Now it happened 
that a great tournament was held near my 
estate, and there he gained much distinction by 
unhorsing many a knight older than himself. 
His skill attracted much attention, and he was 
challenged by a powerful knight of Lancaster. 
A mighty trial of arms followed. Alas ! Alas ! 
By accident a splinter from my son’s lance 
pierced his opponent’s helmet and mortally 
wounded him. Now the knight’s friends had 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


1 86 

great influence at court, and they compelled me 
to pay a heavy fine to save the lad from impris- 
onment. I had to sell all my goods and borrow 
money on my estate. The loan is due to-morrow, 
and, as I haven’t the money, I must give up my 
lands. 

Maid Marian. What a sad story. May I ask, 
sir knight, where your son is now ? 

Knight. He has gone to Palestine, fair lady. 
It was not safe for him to remain in England. 

Maid Marian. And had you no friends, ‘good 
sir, who would help you in time of need ? 

Knight. Alas ! When I was prosperous, I 
had many friends, but when sorrow and difficulty 
came, they all seemed to forsake me. 

Rohin Hood. I prithee tell me how much you 
owe. 

Knight. I borrowed four hundred pounds from 
the abbot of St. Mary’s Abbey. 

Alice-a-Dale. What will become of your wife 
and children, sir, if you lose your lands ? And 
where will you go ? 

Knight. My lady wife and my dear children 
must go and live on the charity of a kinsman. I 
shall journey over the salt seas and join my son. 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFORTUNATE KNIGHT 187 

Robin Hood. Take heart again, sir knight, for 
you have fallen into good hands. In the green- 
wood we always try to help the poor and unfor- 
tunate who chance to come our way. Come, 
Little John, go to the treasury and count out 
four hundred pounds. Count it carefully and 
bring it to our guest. 

Little John. And, master, the knight’s cloth- 
ing is very thin. I prithee give him, from our 
store, cloth enough for a suit. I can measure 
it with my staff. 

Robin Hood {smiling). Rogue! You know 
the knight will get double measure if you use 
your six-foot staff. However, have your way. 

Maid Marian. He must have not only clothes, 
but also stores of provision for his household, 
Robin. 

Robin Hood. He shall be well provided for, 
Maid Marian. 

Will Scarlet. Master, will not the knight need 
a horse to carry the stores we give him ? 

Robin Hood. Let him have a gray courser, 
Will, my lad. 

Much. And a good palfrey, dear master, such 
as befits his rank. 


i88 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Will Stutely. And a pair of boots. He is a 
noble knight, master. 

Maid Marian . Oh ! Let us send enough silk 
and velvet to make his lady wife a rich gown. 

Alice-a-Dale. Ought not a noble knight to 
wear golden spurs ? And wouldn’t the gentle 
lady like a fine gold chain ? 

Friar Tuck. There is a haunch of roasted 
venison and a fine game pasty in the larder, 
master. It is a long way to St. Mary’s Abbey, 
and methinks a long journey sharpens the 
appetite. 

Robin Hood {laughing). What more, Little 
John ? Come, what more ? I see by your face 
you have still another request. 

Little John. There are plenty of new saddles, 
master, and — 

Robin Hood. Go on, I command you. 

Little John. Master, it is a shame to let a noble 
knight ride without page, squire, or retainers. 

Robin Hood. Little John, you shall be the 
knight’s squire and he shall have a score of 
retainers to accompany him on his journey. Sir 
Richard of Lee shall ride in state out of the 
greenwood. 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFORTUNATE KNIGHT 189 


Knight. Gramercy ! Gramercy ! My heart 
is too full to say more, kind friends. 

Rohin Hood. May a cheerful spirit attend you, 
sir knight. Twelve months from to-day will you 
pay us another visit in the greenwood and tell 
us how fortune dealt with you during the year ? 

Knight. Twelve months from to-day I will 
come back to my kind friends of the greenwood. 

Rohin Hood. Sir knight, we’ll see you again ! 
Farewell. 

Knight. A kind farewell to all. 

(Exit knight , Little John , and yeomen.) 



fas ne . 3 

Time — The next day — almost six o’clock. 
Place — The Hall of St. Mary’s Abbey. 



Prior. What ails you, sir abbot ? You have 
had a troubled expression all day. 

Abbot. I am troubled. Do you not remember 
that this is the day on which Sir Richard of 
Lee’s pledge is due ? Twelve months ago this 
very day I lent him four hundred pounds on that 
miserable estate of his. He must pay the money 
according to agreement or he must forfeit his 
lands. 



190 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Prior. He may come before night, sir abbot. 
Perhaps he has been on a long, hard journey 
across the seas. I believe he will come before 
vespers, and pay the money. 

Abbot. That must he do or I will seize his 
worthless lands. 

Prior. Worthless, say you ? Why, his lands 
are valued at several thousand pounds. Surely 
you will not make him lose such a fine estate for 
the lack of four hundred pounds ? 

Abbot. You are ever against me in my plans ! 
Ever against me, I say. 

Enter the High Cellarer. 

High Cellarer. Ha ! Sir abbot ! Do you re- 
member what pledge is due to-day ? If Sir 
Richard of Lee is not here by the ringing of the 
bell for vespers, the fine lands to the east of us 
become ours. Is it not true ? 

Abbot. The knight may come with the money. 

High Cellarer. Not he ! Where could a worth- 
less knight pick up four hundred pounds ? I 
have kept close watch on this wanderer, and I 
know he cannot pay the money. Let me tell 
you, sir abbot, we shall have a good addition to 


our income. 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFORTUNATE KNIGHT 191 

Prior. Sir abbot, pardon me, but I cannot 
believe you will take such advantage of an un- 
fortunate knight. Good sir, do extend his time 
a little in case he does not come to-day. 

Abbot. Silence ! I command you ! We are 
taking only what belongs to us. Is it not true, 
sir justice ? 

Justice. Are you sure the knight will sign 
away his estate, sir abbot ? He may refuse to 
do so. 

Abbot. Why should we trouble ourselves about 
a poor outcast ? Perhaps he is dead, who 
knows ? If he fail to come by vespers, his lands 
fall to the Abbey, and, sir justice, our claim 
must be made strong and legal. 

Justice. You may depend on me to do my 
duty. By my robe and fee I’ll stand by the 
Abbey of St. Mary’s. 

High Cellarer. What means that clatter of 
hoofs. Look, boy, from yonder window and 
say quickly what you see. 

Page. A noble knight is dismounting. He 
has with him a squire and a score of re- 
tainers. 

Abbot. What say you ? A knight ? Can it 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


192 

be Sir Richard of Lee ? A lord’s heart and a 
beggar’s purse agree not ! 

Knight ( entering and falling on his knees before 
the abbot). May all good attend thee, sir abbot. 
I come to keep my day ! 

Abbot. Have you brought the money ? 

Knight. Woe alas ! Misfortune attends me. 

Abbot. If you have no money, prithee tell me 
why are you here ? 

Knight. I come to ask a boon, sir abbot and 
sir justice. May I have a little longer time ? 
Grant me but a few months — 

Abbot. Your day is past ! What do you 
mean ? Your estate passes to the abbey. Is 
it not true, sir justice ? Speak ! 

Justice. I hold with the abbot both by robe 
and fee. You have not kept your pledge, and, 
therefore, you must forfeit your estate. 

Knight. I ask for only a few months more, and 
I will serve you truly during that time, sir 
abbot. 

High Cellarer. Grant it not, sir abbot. Only 
a false knight would ask such a favor. 

Abbot. ’Tis true ! Out of my sight, I say ! 
Speed away, false knight ! 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFORTUNATE KNIGHT 193 


Knight ( jumping to his feet). Sir abbot and 
high cellarer, well ye know that I am not a 
false knight ! I earned my spurs in joust and 
tournament ! Sir abbot, you are without 
courtesy or you would not suffer a true knight 
to kneel before you in your hall and offer him 
nothing from your well-laden board. Shame 
upon you ! You lack truth and courtesy. 

Justice. Come, come ! Prithee, peace ! Good 
sir abbot, what sum will you give the knight to 
release all claim to his lands ? 

Abbot. What say you, high cellarer ? 

High Cellarer. Let him have one hundred 
pounds, but see to it that he is not paid until he 
has withdrawn all claim to his estate. 

Justice. I believe he should have two hundred 
pounds, sir abbot. 

Abbot. Two hundred pounds ! Let me see — 

Knight. Not for two thousand pounds could 
you buy one acre of my estate ! ( From under his 

coat he draws forth a bag.) Here is your gold, sir 
abbot, and had you been courteous, another 
hundred pounds would be yours. I have kept 
my pledge and redeemed my lands in spite of 
your cruel schemes. I bid you good-day ! 


T 94 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


$C£NE 

Time — One year later — about four o'clock. 

Place — The greenwood. 

Allan-a-Dale ( enters with Alice-a-Dale) . Let 
us sit here under the trysting tree and rest. Do 
you know where master Robin and Maid Marian 
have gone ? 

Alice-a-Dale. They took the mossy path which 
leads to the highway. Maid Marian said master 
expects a guest to-day ; she hopes he will not be 
disappointed because he has looked forward for 
many months to the coming of this visitor. 

Allan-a-Daie. I wonder who he is. Do you know ? 

Alice-a-Dale. She did not tell me the guest’s 
name. Look, Allan-a-Dale, here come Master 
and Maid Marian. Methinks Master Robin 
looks a little serious. 

{They rise and walk forward to meet Robin Hood 
and Maid Marian.) 

Alice-a-Dale. Welcome back ! Come and tell 
us where you have been. 

Maid Marian. We walked down the mossy 
path that leads to the highway until we came to 
Robin’s great oak. There we turned to the left. 




ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFORTUNATE KNIGHT 195 

Now can you guess where we have been ? 
Whenever Master Robin is a little downcast in 
spirit, I take him to see dear old Mother Hobbes 
because she is always cheerful and happy. She 
says she does not dread winter at all now that 
she has a good supply of logs, plenty of warm 
clothes and provisions. Allan-a-Dale, troll us a 
merry song. 

Robin Hood. Aye, aye. Now let us hear one 
of thy happy hunting lays. 

Allan-a-Dale (sings). 

The hunt is up, the hunt is up, 

And it is well-nigh day ; 

And Harry our king is gone hunting, 

To bring his deer to bay. 

• The east is bright with morning light, 

And darkness it is fled ; 

And the merry horn wakes up the morn 
To leave his idle bed. 

Behold the skies with golden dyes 
Are glowing all around ; 

The grass is green, and so are the treen, 

All laughing at the sound. 


196 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


The horses snort to be a-sport, 

The dogs are running free, 

The woods rejoice at the merry noise 
Of hey tantara tee ree ! 

The sun is glad to see us clad 
All in our lusty green, 

And smiles in the sky as he riseth high, 

To see and to be seen. 

Awake ! all men, I say again, 

Be merry as you may ; 

For Harry our king is gone hunting, 

To bring his deer to bay. 

Robin Hood. I thank thee, good minstrel. 
Alice-a-Dale, do you remember the guest we 
entertained one year ago to-day ? 

Alice-a-Dale. A year ago, master ? 

Robin Hood. A gentle knight, who was in 
trouble. 

Alice-a-Dale. Oh, master ! Do you mean Sir 
Richard Lee ? 

Allan-a-Dale. Why, to be sure ! Sir Richard 
promised to return in a twelvemonth and pay 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFORTUNATE KNIGHT 197 

back the four hundred pounds we lent him. Is 
it not true ? 

Robin Hood. It is true that he hoped to pay 
back the four hundred pounds in a twelvemonth, 
but I care not for the money. It served a good 
cause. 

Maid Marian. Do you think, Robin, that the 
good knight is staying away because he is not 
able to pay back the money ? 

Robin Hood. I’m afraid so. 

Maid Marian. Let us not give him up yet. 
See, by the shadow of the trysting tree it cannot 
be more than four o’clock. The evening feast 
will not be spread for an hour yet. How busy 
good Friar Tuck seems ! I’m sure he is preparing 
a delicious venison pasty. I wonder where Much 
is. He usually helps Friar Tuck. 

Robin Hood. I think he went somewhere with 
Little John. Here comes David. Where has 
the lad been ? 

David 0’ Doncaster ( throws himself at Robin Hood's 
feet). Master, I’m glad to be back in the green- 
wood again. 

Robin Hood. David, lad, you have been to 
Nottingham fair, I’m sure. Let me warn you 


198 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


to be more cautious. I fear that one of these 
days a trap will be set for my brave lad and he 
will be missing in the greenwood. 

David o' Doncaster. O master ! I’ve had a merry 
day. 

Maid Marian. Tell us about it, David. 

Robin Hood. Well you know that we lend a 
willing ear to any news picked up at the fair. 

David o' Doncaster. Master, the wrestling match 
tempted me most, and when I heard the prize 
was a fine courser, I could not stay away. There 
were many stout yeomen from distant parts, but 
they were mere babies in the hands of David 
o’ Doncaster. 

Robin Hood {laughing). It was whispered that 
a forester who is known for his strength through- 
out the North was to be there. Did you see him ? 

David o' Doncaster. I did, master. Adam o’ the 
Iron Hand, he is called. I declare he nearly 
brought about my undoing. When I threw him 
over my head, his friends among the foresters 
clamored and hissed like mad. Indeed, I thought 
I should be obliged to trust to my legs, so great 
was the confusion. They roared out, “ Another 
trial / 5 “ Wrestle again,” “Out with the stranger,” 



(i99) 


Friar Tuck and the Abbot 



200 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


until the hubbub was deafening. I had almost 
decided to make off when a gentle knight forced 
his way into the crowd where I was standing. 
The bystanders called out, “Let the knight be 
judge. He is fair, and we will abide by his deci- 
sion/’ 

Maid Marian. And the decision was for you, 
David ? 

David o' Doncaster. It was, Maid Marian. The 
good knight declared he had watched the trial 
carefully and he thought I had fairly won. In a 
moment the people cried aloud : “ Hurrah for the 
stranger yeoman ! Give him the prize ! Abide 
by the good knight’s decision !” 

Robin Hood. Did you find out the knight’s 
name, my lad ? 

David o' Doncaster. I did ! Master, the knight’s 
name is Sir Richard of Lee ! 

Robin Hood. Perhaps he is on his way to the 
greenwood, Maid Marian. In serving thee, 
David, he has fully paid his debt. 

Maid Marian and others. He has, indeed ! 

A lice-a-Dale. Master Robin, Maid Marian, 
Allan-a-Dale, David, do look ! Who is Little 
John and Much bringing ? 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFORTUNATE KNIGHT 201 

Maid Marian. Little John is bringing a monk 
and Much is leading two sumpter horses. 

Little John. A guest, master ! I’ve brought a 
guest to dine with us in the greenwood to-day ! 
I’m sure he will greet the ladies courteously. 

Rohin Hood. Welcome to the greenwood, sir 
guest. Little John, you must not forget that 
we force no courtesy. 

Abbot of St. Marys Abbey. What does this mean ? 
Are you the chieftain here ? 

Robin Hood. I am, and I give you a hearty wel- 
come. Prithee, be seated. 

Enter Friar Tuck. He bows to the monk , who 
scorns to answer him. 

Friar Tuck. Good day, 7 brother. Good day. 
PH warrant you bring a good appetite to the 
greenwood. Pardon, master. The pasty is 
done to a turn. Shall we make ready ? 

Robin Hood. Aye, aye, good Tuck. You are 
always in time with the feast. 

Friar Tuck. Where is Much ? I can never 
find the midget when I need him. 

Much. Here I am, ready to help you. 

Friar Tuck. Come, then ; surely the venison 


ROBIN HOOD 12 


202 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


collops will tempt our guest. Methinks he looks 
as if he is used to good cheer. What say you ? 

Much. I say he’s a churl if he scorns your 
collops as he did you. 

{Exit Much and Tuck.) 

Robin Hood. You shall be well served, sir 
guest. I myself will attend you. Come, Maid 
Marian, Alice-a-Dale, my good minstrel, and all 
ye merry men. Let us go to the feast. No 
cheer is brighter than that which gladdens our 
greenwood board. Come ! 

JCENH 5 

Time — At the end of the feast. 

Place — Around the greenwood table. 

Abbot. Gramercy, gramercy, Robin Hood. I 
have dined well. 

Friar Tuck. Brother, I agree with thee. 

Robin Hood. Tuck, you must guard your 
tongue. Sir guest, may I ask the name of your 
abbey ? 

Abbot. I am abbot of St. Mary’s Abbey. 

Robin Hood {springs up in great surprise). 
The abbot of St. Mary’s Abbey ! {Robin laughs 
gleefully.) I cannot believe it ! 




ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFORTUNATE KNIGHT 203 

Abbot. Why are you so much surprised ? 
And why so much amused, pray tell ? 

Robin Hood. Of all days in the year to think 
that I should have the privilege to-day of enter- 
taining the abbot of St. Mary’s Abbey ! 

Abbot. And why do you say to-day? It is 
as bad to be trapped one day as another, I 
judge. 

Friar Tuck. Master, our guest has not had 
enough to eat, I’m sure. He is too sharp- 
tongued — too — 

Robin Hood. Prithee, peace, Tuck. Let me 
explain why I welcome the abbot of St. Mary’s 
Abbey. Twelve months ago this very day we 
entertained in the greenwood a knight named 
Sir Richard of Lee. He had borrowed four 
hundred pounds from St. Mary’s Abbey for one 
year, and had given his broad acres for security. 
The time to meet his debt had come, and as he 
had no money, he feared the loss of his estate. 
Perhaps you know, sir guest, that we merry men 
in the greenwood try to help the poor and needy. 
We willingly lent the gentle knight four hundred 
pounds. He promised to return in a twelve- 
month and let us know about his affairs, but 


204 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


since he failed to come, I think good fortune 
sent you in his stead. Surely you can tell us 
something about him, sir abbot ? His broad 
acres join the lands of St. Mary’s Abbey. 

Abbot. Well I remember Sir Richard of Lee, 
and well I remember his insolent behavior when 
he paid the debt. I’ll warrant, Robin Hood, you 
will never see a groat of that four hundred 
pounds. A false knight is Sir Richard Lee ! 
He — 

Robin Hood {rising). Silence, sir guest ! You 
have spoken falsely ! A truer knight never lived ! 

Enter Sir Richard Lee. He salutes Maid Marian 
and then kneels at Robin Hood 1 s feet. 

Sir Richard Lee. May good attend thee, Robin 
Hood, and all thy company. 

{The greenwood band rise and crowd about the 
knight , who shakes hands with each one.) 

Robin Hood. Sir Richard Lee ! Welcome to 
the greenwood, my gracious knight ! 

The Company. Welcome to Sir Richard Lee — 

Robin Hood. Thrice welcome ! Come and take 
the place which was kept for you. You shall 
be well served. 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFORTUNATE KNIGHT 205 

Friar Tuck. He shall indeed ! I have saved a 
goodly portion of the feast, for well I knew 
Sir Richard would keep his day ! 

Sir Richard Lee . I thank you, good Tuck. 

Maid Marian. When the shadows in the glades '* 
began to lengthen, we feared we should not see 
you to-day. 

Sir Richard Lee. I will explain why I am late 
in coming. I stopped to see a wrestling match 
in the village. A good yeoman was unfairly 
treated, and I saw to it that the injustice was 
made right. 

David 0 ’ Doncaster. Good sir knight, do you 
know me ? I made off to the greenwood as fast 
as I could, because those churlish foresters are 
not to be trusted. I thank you for your help. 

Robin Hood. And I, too, thank you for your 
kindness to one of my men. In helping David 
you served me. Thank you, heartily. 

Sir Richard Lee. You are welcome, indeed. 
How glad I am to see this company again. I 
have a long story to tell. ( Sir Richard looks 
around and finally notices the abbot.) I notice 
there is another guest. Is it possible that the 
abbot of St. Mary’s Abbey is here ? 


206 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Abbot. The abbot of St. Mary’s Abbey is an 
unwilling guest in the greenwood to-day. I 
prithee, Robin Hood, let me leave this company 
before the knight begins his story. 

Robin Hood. You shall leave as soon as you 
have made your reckoning. 

Abbot. Name it, then. 

Robin Hood. Our good Friar Tuck usually 
names a churchman’s fee for entertainment. 

Friar Tuck. Master, I am ready to name it. 
Let the abbot pay the four hundred pounds the 
knight borrowed. We will put it in our treasury 
and keep it ready to help the next sorrowful 
knight who comes. 

Abbot. What says the rogue ? Four hundred 
pounds ? 

Robin Hood {laughing). We will let Sir 
Richard decide. Are you willing, good sir, to 
let the rich abbot of St. Mary’s pay a reckoning 
that will cover your debt ? 

Sir Richard Lee. No, no, good friends ! I’ve 
brought the money. I wish to pay my own 
debt. 

Robin Hood. Not a farthing do you owe us ! 
The money served a good cause. We will speak 


ROBIN HOOD AND THE UNFORTUNATE KNIGHT 207 

no more about it. But, Sir Richard, you shall 
name the abbot’s reckoning and we’ll be content. 

Sir Richard Lee. My friends in the greenwood, 
let the abbot leave without paying a reckoning. 
I am anxious to tell my story. 

Robin Hood. It shall be as you wish, Sir 
Richard. The abbot of St. Mary’s may go. 

Abbot {offers his hand to Sir Richard). 
Thank you, good sir, I ask your forgiveness for 
calling you false. Robin Hood, and all the 
greenwood company, I declare that Sir Richard 
of Lee is a gracious, true knight. Farewell. 

Robin Hood and his Band. He is indeed, gracious 
and true — Farewell. {Abbot leaves.) 

Robin Hood. Come, gather around and let us 
hear Sir Richard’s story. 

Maid Marian. Sir knight, tell us about your 
lady wife and your dear children. 

Alice-a-Dale. And your son, who was obliged 
to go across the rough seas. 

Sir Richard Lee. Gramercy, gramercy. Your 
kindness enabled me to free my lands by paying 
the debt to St. Mary’s Abbey. A fair and fruit- 
ful season brought a rich harvest, and in due time 
I had money enough to send for my son, who had 


208 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


won honors in Palestine, serving King Richard. 
My lady wife and children are well and happy, 
dear friends. Here are a few gifts I have brought 
to you. 

( Sir Richard gives jewel boxes to Maid Marian 
and Alice-a-Dale . Maid Marian puts a 
chain around her neck and Alice-a-Dale 
clasps a bracelet around her arm. 

Maid Marian. Our most gracious thanks. 
{Pages come forward carrying bows and arrows .) 
Robin Hood. What mean these beautiful bows ? 
Sir Richard Lee. I have brought you and your 
merry men each a bow and quiver of arrows. 

Little John. Oh ! master ! The bows are of 
Spanish yew ! See how they are burnished ! 
And what beautiful arrows in leathern quivers. 
They are notched with silver and feathered with 
peacock’s plumes. How can we thank the 
gracious knight ? 

Robin Hood. Good friend, our hearts are too 
full for words. You will spend the night in the 
greenwood with us and when morning breaks, 
we will accompany you to the edge of the wood. 
Allan-a-Dale, troll us a merry song. 


KING RICHARD AND ROBIN HOOD 

CHARACTERS 




Robin Hood 
Maid Marian 
Allan-a-Dale 
Alice-a-Dale 


King David o’ Doncaster 

Royal Forester Sir Richard Lee 

Friar Tuck Bishop of Hereford 

Page Sheriff of Nottingham 


J$CEN£ I 

Place. — A room in the king* s palace. 

King reading a parchment manuscript. 

Enter Page. 

Page. Your Majesty, the royal forester craves 
audience. 

King. Admit him. ( Forester enters.) What 
report about the royal hunting grounds in the 
North have you brought ? 

Forester. Your Royal Highness, it is my painful 
duty to state that the royal preserves are infested 
with outlaws who respect neither vert nor venison. 

King. Ha! Outlaws, say you ? Every outlaw 
wears a wolf’s-head. Cut them down. Con- 
tinue your report. 

Forester. I have made a careful survey of the 
hunting grounds in the North, and I find full 
evidence that outlaw hunters are wasting the 




209 


210 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


royal game shamefully. So bold have these 
men grown that they kill a royal hart as quickly 
as a fox. The slaughter is outrageous, your 
Majesty, and I have come humbly to ask your 
advice and help in this matter. 

King. Now, by my faith as crowned king of 
the realm, this poaching must be stopped, and 
quickly, too. Have you discovered who are 
leaders in this barbarous sport ? 

Forester. Your Majesty, I think I have a clew. 
The boldest leader is called Robin Hood who 
lives most of the time in Sherwood forest with 
a large band of followers. The people say that 
no king was ever obeyed with more loyalty than 
is this chieftain of the forest. 

King. Robin Hood ? Robin Hood ? Now, 
by my faith, I believe that is the name of the 
rogue the sheriff of Nottingham and the bishop 
of Hereford complained about to me. A pretty 
pass this country of ours is coming to when a 
forest chieftain can defy sheriff, bishop, and king. 
Tell me more about this high-handed leader. 

Forester. He is indeed the same person, your 
Royal Highness. The country folk near the 
forests never tire telling about the tricks and 


KING RICHARD AND ROBIN HOOD 


2 1 1 


pranks that this bold fellow plays on the bishop 
and the sheriff. 

King {smiling). You have aroused my curi- 
osity. Proceed ! 

Forester. Sire, the bishop of Hereford was 
stopped in the forest one day and invited to a 
greenwood feast. A “reckoning’’ is always 
collected from the guest, so the bishop’s purse 
was taken by the outlaws. Then they made his 
worship sing a mass at two o’clock in the after- 
noon under the trysting tree. Some say they 
compelled the bishop to take a rogue’s ride into 
Nottingham. 

King. What do you mean ? 

Forester. They set the bishop astride his horse 
with his honor’s face toward the tail. In such 
disgraceful position they compelled his dignified 
highness to ride into Nottingham. 

King {laughing). No wonder the bishop asked 
for soldiers to rid the forests of these clowns. 

Forester. Another time Robin Hood’s band 
stopped a wedding in Derbyshire. 

King. How did they manage to do that ? 

Forester. Robin Hood happened to meet a 
young minstrel lover, named Allan-a-Dale, who 


212 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


said that his sweetheart was to be given in mar- 
riage to an old knight. The outlaw chieftain, 
with some of his company and the young lover, 
disguised themselves and slipped into the church 
where the wedding was to take place. When 
the bishop was ready to perform the ceremony, 
Robin Hood and his men threw off their dis- 
guises. Then the leader led forward the hand- 
some young minstrel and bade the sweet young 
bride choose her bridegroom. Of course she 
chose Allan-a-Dale, whereupon Robin Hood 
ordered the minstrel to step into the old knight’s 
place. The bishop refused to read the wedding 
service, but Robin Hood was prepared to meet 
any difficulty. He had brought to the church the 
outlaw friar, who now donned the bishop’s robes 
and proceeded with the ceremony. The young 
lovers went back to Sherwood with Robin Hood. 

King (laughing). If you tell me many such 
merry tales I shall forget my wrath. But I’ve 
made up my mind to one thing — Richard of 
England must meet Robin of Sherwood. Plans 
are now being made for a royal progress through 
England, and I’ll include a visit to Cumberland, 
Yorkshire, and Nottinghamshire. 


KING RICHARD AND ROBIN HOOD 


213 


Forester. Pardon me, your Majesty, I would 
humbly beg you to think twice before attempting 
to see this bold outlaw. They say he is kind and 
generous to the poor and lowly, but the rich and 
powerful he spares not. 

King. Ha ! ’Tis an adventure after my own 
heart. There shall be no delay. The king of 
England will make a royal visit to the king of 
Sherwood ! Make immediate preparations for 
the journey. 




Jcrne 2 

Place — The Kings Lodge near 
Nottingham. 


Page. His honor the bishop and the sheriff 
of Nottingham have come to pay their regards 
to the king. 

King. They may enter. 


Enter Bishop and Sheriff. 


Bishop and Sheriff. Our sincerest greetings to 
our liege. 

King. You may be seated. I regret that the 
day for my departure is near. Our progress 
through Cumberland, Yorkshire, and Notting- 
hamshire has been most satisfactory, and we 


214 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


return to London town with but one regret, 
sir sheriff. 

Sheriff. I pray your Royal Highness tell us 
what that regret is. Perhaps there is still time 
enough to cancel it. 

Bishop. Our greatest pleasure is to please 
your Highness. 

King. I frankly confess to you, sir sheriff and 
my lord bishop, that my dearest hope in coming 
to Nottinghamshire was to make the acquaint- 
ance of Robin Hood. 

{Sheriff and bishop throw up their hands in horror 
and . visibly tremble. They exclaim , Robin 
Hood !) 

King. Aye, my lord bishop. I hear that you 
are fairly well acquainted with this chieftain of 
the forest. 

Bishop. May all the saints protect your Maj- 
esty from making such an acquaintance as I made. 

King. Our royal party has taken three jour- 
neys into the very heart of the forests, but not 
a glimpse of this outlaw company have we had. 
Do you think, sir sheriff, you could lead us to 
the haunts of Master Robin Hood ? 

Sheriff {pale and trembling). Oh ! Pardon 


KING RICHARD AND ROBIN HOOD 


215 


me, your Majesty. I have been ailing for a 
month or more. Im afraid a journey into Sher- 
wood forest would tax my strength too much. 
I prithee pardon me, good sire. 

King. Now I would willingly give a handsome 
bit of gold to see this robber band and their 
chieftain in their forest life, for I have heard 
about many of their merry pranks. 

Bishop. My sovereign liege, I assure you 
there is nothing merry about their wicked tricks. 
They pay no respect to law, no reverence to 
dignity, no obedience to royalty. Heaven pro- 
tect our king from their wicked haunts. 

Page. The royal head forester has news of 
importance for his Majesty, the king. 

King. Bid him enter. 

Royal Forester. My liege, I have come from 
the Red Hart Inn and I have picked up news 
which explains why our party has failed to see 
Robin Hood and his companions. 

King. Ha ! Proceed. 

Royal Forester. It seems that this robber chief- 
tain holds the sovereign of England in highest 
esteem, and therefore he has given strict orders 
that the outlaws keep entirely out of the king’s 


2l6 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


way. This is why we have not met them in the 
forest. 

Bishop. Pardon, your Majesty, but I verily 
believe a trap is being set for you. 

King. Richard of England knows not fear ! 
I’m determined to meet Robin Hood. Come, 
make a plan which will accomplish my desire. 

Royal Forester. My liege, I have thought of a 
scheme. I have been told that Robin Hood 
especially enjoys inviting a rich churchman to 
feast under the trysting tree. Afterwards, the 
guest is told to make a reckoning. 

Bishop. He is, indeed. 

Royal Forester. If your Majesty will disguise 
as a rich abbot and take into the forest a little 
party of attendants dressed as monks, it is most 
likely that Robin Hood will extend a hearty 
invitation to the forest intruders. 

Sheriff. I beg my gracious sovereign to take 
heed and keep away from — 

Bishop. It is a wild and dangerous scheme, 
your Majesty. Heaven protect your grace. 

King {laughing). The adventure pleases me 
greatly. Who will go with me into the green- 
wood to dine with Robin Hood ? 


KING RICHARD AND ROBIN HOOD 


217 


Sheriff {trembling) . My liege king — 

King. Sir sheriff, you have your duty to 
guard in Nottingham to-day. 

Bishop. Pardon me, my gracious sovereign — 
King. My lord bishop has been feasted in the 
greenwood. Farewell to both. {To forester.) 
Secure the necessary disguise. I know my 
foresters wish to dine with me in the greenwood 
to-day. 

Foresters. We do, your majesty. 



Scene 3 

Place — In the forest. 
Time — Early afternoon. 



King {disguised as Sir Abbot). We are in the 
very heart of this wonderful wood. How calm 
and peaceful it is under the solemn old trees, 
where nothing but the caroling of the birds 
breaks the silence. Through yonder covert I 
caught a glimpse of a herd of deer led by a royal 
hart. I am enchanted in these leafy glades, and 
I begin to understand why Robin Hood loves the 
forest. Is it not strange, comrades, that we find 
no trace of outlaws ? I begin to fear we shall be 
sorely disappointed in this merry adventure. 



The King, the Bishop, and the Sheriff (218) 



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KING RICHARD AND ROBIN HOOD 


219 


First Forester. Your Majesty, I think we had 
better linger for a little while in this glade. 

King. Come, you must not forget that I am 
sir abbot to-day. Let us play our game cau- 
tiously. In case I forget my role, be on the 
alert to give me warning. 

Second Forester. We will, my liege. But what 
if Robin Hood should command our king ? 

King. That is exactly what I am expecting 
him to do if he sees us. But never fear, I shall 
control myself. What do you see ? 

Third Forester. I believe a man in Lincoln 
green is approaching. 

King. Let us hope he is the chief of the out- 
laws. I’ll speak louder and attract his attention. 
{In louder voice.) Come, comrades, we had 
better keep close together for Tve heard that 
this forest is infested with outlaws. We have 
wandered too far away from the main road, and 
I fear it will be some time before we find a wel- 
come inn where we can get rest and refreshment. 

Robin Hood. Rest and refreshment you shall 
have, sir abbot ; and you shall abide with me 
for awhile in the greenwood. I doubt not your 
purse holds a good reckoning. 


ROBIN HOOD — 13 


220 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


King. How dare you bar the way, sir ? Who 
are you ? 

Robin Hood. Men call me Robin Hood, sir 
abbot. My good yeomen and I lead a merry 
life here in the greenwood. We live chiefly 
by the king’s deer because we have no other 
means. Now, churchmen have rents and plenty 
of gold and all that great wealth can bring. 
Surely, then, you can well afford to give us 
some of your wealth in the name of charity. 

King ( hands his purse to Robin Hood). Alas! 
I have but forty pounds in my purse because 
I have spent much gold during the past fortnight 
in entertaining the retinue of the king. 

Robin Hood {astonished) . The retinue of the 
king, say you ? 

King. Robin Hood, we are King Richard’s 
messengers. His majesty is in Nottingham, and 
desires to see you. In proof of this, I bring you 
a signet ring from the sovereign of England. 
See, here it is ! 

Robin Hood {falls on his knees and accepts the 
ring.) Heaven bless our gracious ruler and all 
his loyal followers. A curse on all traitors to 
our lion-hearted Richard. 


KING RICHARD AND ROBIN HOOD 


221 


King. What mean you ? Are you not an 
outlaw and therefore a traitor to the king ? 

Robin Hood. Outlaw, alas I am, but traitor to 
the king — never. Sir abbot, cruel, unjust laws 
forced me into this forest life, but I declare to 
you I have never yet harmed any true, honest 
man. Ask the good yeoman, the honest hus- 
bandman, the kind parish priest, or the gentle 
knight who is his greenwood friend, and he will 
tell you, Robin Hood. I fight against the tyr- 
anny of unjust sheriffs and greedy churchmen, 
but I help the poor and lowly. Sir abbot, I love 
my gallant king and I would willingly die to 
serve him. I return your purse to you. For 
our brave King Richard’s sake, you shall not lose 
one penny. Messengers from the king, are you ? 
Then come to the trysting tree and taste our 
greenwood cheer. Perhaps we will show you 
some of our sports, too. Come ! Then you can 
describe to our good king what manner of life we 
lead in the peaceful greenwood. For the love of 
King Richard I invite you to dine with Robin 
Hood to-day. Prithee come. The trysting tree 
is not far away. 

King. What say you, comrades ? 


222 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


First Forester. Let us accept Robin Hood’s kind 
invitation, sir abbot. 

Second Forester. So say I, and I speak the 
mind of all my comrades. 

King. Lead the way to the trysting tree, 
Robin Hood, and we will follow you. 



4 

TOT 


Place — Near the trysting tree. 



Time — Afternoon. 



Maid Marian and her companions enter with arms filled 
with flowers. 


Maid Marian. Come, let us sit under the 
trysting tree and weave rose garlands for the 
evening archery. Master Robin has gone to 
give special orders to the yeomen who are on 
watch. They will give warning if the king’s 
hunting party comes to the greenwood. At the 
signal we must run to the caves and hide until 
the royal hunters have gone. 

Alice-a-Dale. Do you know, Maid Marian, 
when the king and his retinue are likely to leave? 

Maid Marian. In a few days I think, Alice-a- 
Dale. Sit there, David, and help me weave 
this garland. What lovely flowers we have 


KING RICHARD AND ROBIN HOOD 223 


to-day. Do you not enjoy the scent of wild 
roses, Alice-a-Dale ? 

A lice-a-Dale. I do, indeed. Oh, I love to smell 
these sweet violets, wild hyacinths, lacy ferns, 
and wild thyme. 

Maid Marian . See, see how busy good Friar 
Tuck is. Til warrant he is preparing a fine 
feast. Little Much is a good helper. 

David 0’ Doncaster. They say the king has made 
three hunting trips into the forest. 

Allan-a-Dale {shakes his finger at David). 
You have been to Nottingham again, David. 
Beware, lad ! Some day the sheriff will cap- 
ture you and we in the greenwood shall miss 
our clever little scout. 

David o’ Doncas'er. I went to Nottingham yester- 
day, Allan-a-Dale. Oh ! the sheriff’s entertain- 
ment for the king’s party is the talk of the town. 
It is, indeed. 

Allan-a-Dale. Did you hear any rumor about 
the departure of the king and his retinue ? 

David o' Doncaster. No, I did not. They say 
the king is very much disappointed because he 
has not seen Master Robin. 

Alice-a-Dale. Well, Master Robin has seen his 


224 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Majesty, the king, at least at a distance. Oh, 
I should like to see King Richard. Master says 
our sovereign is very noble and gracious in his 
bearing. ( Enter Friar Tuck.) 

Friar Tuck. Let us hope his Majesty will be 
gracious enough to leave shortly, for the store of 
venison is getting very low. 

Maid Marian. Have you made us a fine pasty 
to-day, good Tuck ? 

Friar Tuck. Aye, my lady Marian, but it took 
all the light foot in the larder, I assure you, and 
master says there shall be no hunting until after 
the king leaves Nottingham. 

Allan-a-Dale. Are you expecting a guest to- 
day, Tuck ? 

Friar Tuck. Aye, Allan-a-Dale, Sir Richard of 
Lee is coming to dine with us to-day. Little J ohn 
and a few lads have gone to meet him. 

Alice-a-Dale. Our good friend Sir Richard is 
not in trouble again, is he ? 

Maid Marian. Nay, nay, gentle Alice. Sir 
Richard is going to tell us about the king’s 
entertainment in Nottingham. 

Friar Tuck. May he tell us that we shall soon 
be rid of the whole party. 


KING RICHARD AND ROBIN HOOD 


225 


Much ( jumping up and down gleefully). 
Broiled fish, roasted capons, and a pasty as large 
as this {shows with his arms) are almost ready 
to be served. Oh ! Oh ! How hungry I am. 

Friar Tuck. Come, Little Much, I need your 
help. We must have everything ready by the 
time master and Sir Richard come. 

David 0’ Doncaster. Maid Marian, here comes 
Master Robin, and he is bringing four guests. 

Maid Marian {jumps to her feet). Four guests, 
David ! {Enter Robin Hood , the King , disguised 
as Sir Abbot , and Foresters.) 

Robin Hood. Sir abbot and companions, a 
hearty welcome to the trysting tree. Let me 
present ye to Maid Marian, the fair queen of the 
greenwood. Allan-a-Dale and Alice-a-Dale, our 
minstrel and his gentle bride ; David o’ Don- 
caster, one of my trusty yeomen. Maid Marian, 
I have brought you honored guests to-day. 
The abbot and his monks are messengers from 
the king. 

Maid Marian and others {bowing). From the king 
do you say ? 

Maid Marian {alone). A hearty and sincere 
welcome. Heaven bless our sovereign’s name. 


226 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Sir Abbot. This is indeed a joy, — to be wel- 
comed by wood nymphs of the glade. 

( Friar Tuck peeps out from behind a tree. Robin 
Hood spies him.) 

Robin Hood. Come forward, my good Tuck. 
I’ve brought honored guests to you to-day, 
and I doubt not you have a fine feast preparing. 

Friar Tuck ( comes forward). One fit for the 
king himself, master. 

Sir Abbot. What ! Have you a priest among 
your number, Robin Hood ? 

Robin Hood. This is Friar Tuck, our expert 
cook, sir abbot. 

Friar Tuck. Cooking is my pastime, good 
father, but Friar Tuck has many other duties, 
I assure you. 

Sir Abbot {smiling). May we ask what these 
duties are ? 

Friar Tuck. I labor hard for the well-being of 
these knaves in the greenwood. I teach them 
patience, and fairness, and gentle manners. In 
our games and sports I deal out hearty cuffs to 
those who are careless. Our good yeomen must 
not be caught napping in archery ; so, whoof ! 
a good cuff follows a careless shot. 


KING RICHARD AND ROBIN HOOD 227 

Sir Abbot, {laughing). I prithee, good Tuck, 
do you deal out your blows in earnest ? 

Friar Tuck. I assure you, brother, in right 
good earnest, and I have no favorites, I — ■ 

Robin Hood. Come, come, Tuck, stop that mag- 
pie tongue of yours for the present and see to 
the feast. In the meantime, our guests shall see 
some sport. 

Friar Tuck. Master Robin, the venison pasty 
is almost done. 

Sir Abbot. The venison pasty ! Are you not 
breaking the forest laws by killing the king’s 
deer, Robin Hood ? 

Robin Hood. We have no choice, sir abbot. 
Under the weak rule of Prince John the wicked 
nobles stole our money and cheated us out of our 
lands and homes. What could we do but turn 
to Mother Nature for food and shelter ? In the 
heart of the greenwood we found peace. 

Sir Abbot. How many outlaws are in your 
company ? 

Robin Hood. We number about five score, 
although all are not here to-day, sir abbot. 
You shall see some of them shoot with the long- 
bow, for we are very proud of our archery skill. 


228 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


{Robin Hood blows his horn. About a score of 
yeomen come in. Each in turn drops on one 
knee before the master , then stands waiting. 

Sir Abbot. They seem to pay you great re- 
spect, sir outlaw. 

Robin Hood {bows assent). Make ready, lads, 
to show our guests how cleverly we can shoot 
with the longbow. There is time for a little 
sport before the feast is ready. 

Maid Marian. The rose garlands are finished. 
We have made beautiful ones to-day. David, 
lad, set them up at the end of the glade, and near 
them place a peeled willow wand. 

Robin Hood. Allan-a-Dale, will you kindly sing 
to us while the archers are preparing ? 

Maid Marian. Do, good minstrel. Let our 
guests hear one of your sweet songs. 

Allan-a-Dale. Gladly. 

{Takes up his harp and sings.) 

It was Earl Haldan’s daughter, 

She looked across the sea ; 

She looked across the water ; 

And long and loud laughed she : 

“The locks of six princesses 
Must be my marriage fee, 


KING RICHARD AND ROBIN HOOD 


229 


So hey bonny boat, and ho bonny boat ! 
Who comes a-wooing me ? ” 

It was Earl Haldan’s daughter, 

She walked along the sand ; 

When she was aware of a knight so fair, 
Came sailing to the land. 

His sails were all of velvet, 

His masts of beaten gold, 

And “ Hey bonny boat, and ho bonny boat ! 
Who saileth here so bold ? ” 

“ The locks of five princesses 
I won beyond the sea ; 

I dipt their golden tresses, 

To fringe a cloak for thee. 

One handful yet is wanting, 

But one of all the tale ; 

So hey bonny boat, and ho bonny boat ! 
Furl up thy velvet sail !” 

He leapt into the water, 

That rover young and bold ; 

He gript Earl Haldan’s daughter, 

He dipt her locks of gold : 

“ Go weep, go weep, proud maiden, 

The tale is full to-day, 

Now hey bonny boat, and ho bonny boat ! 
Sail Westward Ho ! away ! ” 1 


Charles Kingsley. 


230 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


Sir Abbot. We thank you, kind minstrel. 
Such sweet music we have not heard for many a 
day. 

David o’ Doncaster. The rose garlands are placed, 
mistress. 

Sir Abbot. Are they not too far away, Robin ? 

Robin Hood {laughing). You shall see, sir 
abbot. 

{Blows his horn. Men appear with hows and 
arrows. Tuck comes hurrying forward.) 

Friar Tuck. Master, our guests shall see that 
Friar Tuck’s buffets are meant to make pluck 
in our lads. Bad shot — good blow. {Rolls 
up sleeves in readiness.) I am ready, lads. 

Robin Hood. Come, good Tuck. I hope your 
duty will be light to-day. 

Sir Abbot. I believe you strike a blow in good 
earnest, brother. 

Friar Tuck. If you were not a guest, I’d show 
you, sir abbot. {Shows muscle in his arm.) 

Robin Hood. Tuck — you forget. 

Friar Tuck. Your pardon, master. 

Robin Hood. Ready, lads, to do your best 
work. Til name the first archer, then each 
shall choose the yeoman who will follow him in 


KING RICHARD AND ROBIN HOOD 


231 


this trial of skill. Much the miller, shoot three 
arrows. 

{Much shoots and lodges each arrow in the garland 
— yeomen applaud.) 

Maid Marian. You are a clever archer, Little 
Much. 

Much. Thanks, Maid Marian. Let David 
shoot next. 

{David shoots two arrows into the garland and 
one through the center). 

Yeomen {applaud and shout). The bull’s eye ! 
Sir Abbot. By my faith, ’tis the cleverest 
archery I have ever seen. ’Tis wonderful. 

David 0’ Doncaster. I name master to shoot 
next. 

{Robin Hood shoots two arrows through the center 
and one through the peeled willow wand.) 
Yeomen {cheer loudly). Master Robin, the 
champion archer of England. 

Sir Abbot. And well you deserve that proud 
title. I should like to know the secret of this 
skilled archery. 

Friar Tuck. ’Tis all due to the pluck-buffet 
system, sir abbot. One cuff from me opens an 
archer’s eye for a long time. Now I cannot help 


232 


PLAYS OF ROBIN HOOD 


regretting that the lads do so well to-day, for I 
wanted to show you how — 

Maid Marian {rises and all turn to look). 
See, Sir Richard and Little John are coming. 
They are in time for the feast. How glad I am. 
{Goes forward to meet them.) Welcome ! 

Sir Richard Lee {kissing her hand). Gr a mercy, 
gentle lady. Let me tell my news before 
you present me to your guests, for it is of 
utmost importance. Robin Hood, his Majesty, 
the king, is in the greenwood to-day and is seek- 
ing you. 

Sir Ahhot {rises, throws off his large hat). 
Sir Richard, the king of England has found 
Robin Hood. {Assumes his character as king.) 

Sir Richard Lee. Pardon, sire, pardon ! 

{Throws himself on his knees before the king. 

Little John does the same.) 

King Richard. Are you in league with outlaws, 
Sir Richard ? 

Sir Richard Lee. My liege, they are my truest 
friends. 

King Richard. I grant you pardon, sir knight, 
for I believe you speak the truth. 

Robin Hood. In the name of your goodness and 


KING RICHARD AND ROBIN HOOD 233 

grace I ask mercy and pardon for my good 
yeomen and me. 

( Outlaws surround the king and fall on their 
knees.) 

King Richard. Robin Hood, and all ye good 
yeomen of Sherwood, rise ! Not a disloyal word 
have I heard spoken in this peaceful glade. 
Robin Hood, you have already declared you 
loyalty. I hereby give you and all your good 
yeomen free pardon. But the king’s pardon 
makes you and your company subjects of the 
king again. Will you and your men serve 
Richard of England ? Will you leave this out- 
law life in the greenwood ? 

Robin Hood and Yeomen. Aye — good sire. 

Robin Hood. We will serve you faithfully ! 
Yeomen. God save the king ! 





N(WE TO TEACHER# 


The “Tales of Robin Hood” are presented in stories, 
ballads, and little dramas in order to give the pupils 
variety in the forms of narrative discourse. The inci- 
dents chosen are essentially dramatic; that is, they por- 
tray the life of action expressed directly by speech or 
gesture. Descriptive details, unless necessary to the 
spirit of the narrative, have been omitted because a 
character in action is the center of the child’s interest. 
Attention may wander during lengthy descriptions, but 
the moment a point is reached where the character acts , 
interest is again captivated. 

The book is planned primarily for a text in reading, but 
the incidents related may be used as a basis for oral and 
written English work. 

I. Let the pupils orally reproduce the stories. This 
exercise encourages spontaneity, freedom, fluency. 

II. (a) Suggest the first events of an incident which 
might happen to Robin Hood and his merry men and let 
the pupils finish the story. 

(b) Describe an obstacle which might naturally pre- 
sent itself in the greenwood and let the pupils suggest 
ways and means out of the difficulty. 

(c) Let the pupils invent complete greenwood narra- 
tives. 


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NOTE TO TEACHERS 


235 


( d ) The stories and ballads may be dramatized by the 
pupils ; the little dramas may be turned into short stories. 

In the above exercises it must be kept in mind that 
pupils need careful guidance. 

III. Children delight in visualizing. Suggest such 
phrases as : a spring morning, the trysting tree, May-day 
sport, rose-garland targets, a moist woodland path, a herd 
of deer, etc., and let the pupils describe the mental images 
aroused and the relational thoughts stimulated by such 
phrases. Also let them freely illustrate their ideas in form 
and color. 

Insist on clear thinking before an attempt is made to 
express thought. Encourage long and complex sentences 
as well as simple, short ones. 

A plea for the educational value of dramatic reading 
is no longer necessary. The little plays may be used as 
exercises in characterization. The young pupil’s love of 
acting is simply a normal growth of the play instinct ; the 
child loves to symbolize, to imitate, to act. Encourage 
freedom in gesture and expression, and accept crude efforts 
which are original. If the pupils enter sympathetically 
into the life of the characters, clear and effective reading 
will be stimulated. 

The pastoral character of the subject matter relating 
to the greenwood makes it evident that the little plays 
can be made very interesting outdoor entertainments. 
They may be given singly, or two 01 three of them may 
be easily unified into one drama. For example, “ Robin 
Hood and the Banbury Tinker” may be combined with 


236 


NOTE TO TEACHERS 


“The Nottingham Shooting Match,” and by introducing 
various adjuncts, such as May-day garlands, songs, and 
dancing, these two little plays can be presented as a fes- 
tive spring entertainment. Greenwood costumes are sug- 
gested in the illustrations. Of course simplicity must be 
the keynote and guiding principle in directing the children 
for dramatic activities. 










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